• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Authorities seized counterfeit seasoning products from two public markets in La Castellana, Negros Occidental, following the confiscation of similar items earlier in Barangay Mansilingan, Bacolod City.
Remuel Lajo, municipal information officer of La Castellana, said on Monday, Aug. 10 the local government unit conducted an inspection at the public market last week after receiving reports of fake seasoning products being sold to consumers.
During the inspection, authorities discovered counterfeit Maggi Magic Sarap products that were visibly different from the authentic products.
Lajo said that another inspection in Barangay Cabacungan led to the discovery that ambulant vendors were selling fake seasoning products.
He added that vendors have been warned against selling these products and were advised to thoroughly check the source and authenticity of the goods they are selling.
Lajo also urged consumers and market-goers to carefully inspect seasoning products before purchasing them.
He advised them to buy only from reputable supermarkets and established retailers to reduce the risk of purchasing counterfeit food products.
Ambulant vendors may also be attracted to the lower cost in an effort to increase their profits, without realizing the potential health risks posed to consumers.
The fake seasoning reportedly has a different unpleasant or fishy smell while its granules may easily break apart when crushed.
The color of the packaging may also vary, with some appearing lighter or darker than the original.
The confiscated products were believed to have been supplied to ambulant vendors through local distributors.
The operation in La Castellana came after a formal complaint was filed by the company over the reported widespread distribution and sale of counterfeit Maggi Magic Sarap products in Bacolod City. | GPB
