06/08/2026
The FDA remains committed to protecting consumers through effective regulatory enforcement and strong partnerships, ensuring that only safe, quality, and compliant health products are available in the market.
CIDG AND FDA SEIZE PHP 2.2M ALLEGED UNREGISTERED COOKING OIL AND SOY SAUCE IN SOUTHERN LEYTE
On August 3, 2026 at around 5:00 PM, the CIDG Southern Leyte Provincial Field Unit together with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)- Regional Field Office 8, conducted a law enforcement operation in for violations of of Republic Act No. 3720 (Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act), as amended, and Republic Act No. 9711 (Food and Drug Administration Act of 2009), in Brgy. Zone V, Poblacion, Sogod, Southern Leyte that resulted in the arrest of two (2) suspects, and the confiscation of alleged unregistered food products- palm/refined cooking oil and soy sauce, with estimated value of Php2,244,720.00.
A report that reached PMGEN Robert AA Morico II, the Director of CIDG, stated that the arrested suspects, male and female, both of legal age, were caught while trading the cooking oil and soy sauce without certification issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) rendering the products unauthorized for distribution and sale to consumers.
The Director of the CIDG emphasized that pursuant to the Republic Act No. 9711 (Food and Drug Administration Act of 2009), the manufacture, importation, sale, offering for sale, distribution, transfer of health and food products without the required registration and authorization from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is prohibited.
The distribution and selling of the unregistered cooking oil and soy sauce is a circumvention of food safety standards requirements of the government. Since these food products have not gone through the evaluation process of the FDA, its quality and safety cannot be assured.
The CIDG leadership lauds PLTCOL Ian N Datiles, the Officer-In-Charge, CIDG Regional Field Unit 8, and the CIDG Southern Leyte Provincial Field Unit led by PCPT Norberto B Saboriendo for the confiscation of the unregistered food products, and arrest of the violators of law. It underscores the Unit’s commitment in fighting all illegal trading of consumer products across the country.
The CIDG assures the public of its steadfast resolve in enforcing all the laws to protect all consumers, and urges the public to be cautious in buying consumer products— check on the label and FDA Registration Number. It advises everyone to use the FDA Verification Portal (verification.fda.gov.ph) to cross-check every brand; and report to CIDG - all warehouse, store, or online seller offering or selling unregistered food products, and the CIDG will do the rest.
