CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Authorities cracked down on the illegal trade of unregistered food products after a joint operation led by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) resulted in the arrest of two individuals and the seizure of over ₱1.5 million worth of alleged unregistered cooking oil on April 29.
The enforcement operation, carried out from 9:14 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in Barangay Carmen, Oro Coop Village, targeted an establishment reportedly engaged in the sale and distribution of cooking oil products that lacked the necessary regulatory approvals.
Arrested were the establishment’s owner, identified only as “Rona,” and her employee, “Noli,” who were allegedly caught in the act of selling and trading cooking oil without proper registration from the FDA.
Authorities said the suspects are facing charges for violations of multiple laws, including Republic Act No. 9711, Republic Act No. 7394, and Republic Act No. 10611.
According to a report submitted to CIDG Director Robert AA Morico II, the confiscated products had an estimated value of ₱1,534,000. Authorities emphasized that under the FDA Act of 2009, the manufacture, importation, distribution, and sale of food and health products without proper authorization are strictly prohibited.
Because the seized cooking oil had not undergone FDA evaluation, officials warned that its safety and quality remain uncertain, posing potential risks to public health.
Morico underscored that the operation forms part of intensified nationwide efforts aligned with the directive of Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. to tighten enforcement against illegal and unsafe consumer products.
The CIDG leadership also commended Jonathan B. Papay and the Cagayan de Oro City Field Unit, led by Gerson A. Soliven, for the successful operation, highlighting it as a strong message against illicit trading practices.
“We are not just seizing products; we are going after the people who think they can bypass our safety laws,” Morico said. “Selling unregistered oil isn’t just a business violation—it is a direct threat to public health, and we will treat it with the gravity it deserves.”
Authorities urged consumers to remain vigilant, advising the public to avoid purchasing unlabeled or suspiciously cheap cooking oil and to always check for an FDA registration number. The public is also encouraged to verify products through the FDA’s online portal and report any suspected illegal sellers to authorities.
The CIDG reiterated its commitment to aggressively enforce consumer protection laws and hold accountable those who endanger public safety through the illegal sale of unregulated goods.