NBI Arrests Woman Over Expired Food in Rizal
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) confirmed on Friday, Oct. 17, that a woman was arrested in Taytay, Rizal, in connection with selling expired food products. The suspect, identified by the NBI as April Rodriguez Fernando, was taken into custody on Oct. 9 following an entrapment operation carried out by agents from the NBI’s Laguna District Office (NBI-LAGDO) and Rizal District Office (NBI-RIZDO).
The arrest took place at the Aiden Louise Store in Barangay Dolores, Taytay, after authorities acted on information from URC (Universal Robina Corp.) about expired or adulterated URC products being sold at the store and stored in a nearby warehouse. Investigators conducted surveillance and verified the tip before executing the operation.
Seizure of Expired Products
During the course of the operation, law enforcement officials also executed a separate warrant and recovered two truckloads of allegedly expired or adulterated URC products. The seizure underscores ongoing concerns about the distribution of unsafe food items in local markets and the efforts of regulatory agencies to curb such practices.
Charges and Next Steps
Fernando faces charges under Article 40(g) in relation to Article 23(a)(7) of Republic Act No. 7394, known as the Consumer Act of the Philippines. The case has been filed with the Rizal Provincial Prosecutor’s Office for appropriate action. If found guilty, the penalties could include fines and imprisonment, reflecting the government’s commitment to protecting consumer health and ensuring product safety in the market.
Context and Industry Response
Authorities say the operation was driven by a formal complaint from URC, highlighting the role of manufacturers in safeguarding their product integrity and the importance of supply chain discipline. The NBI noted that the investigation involved surveillance and verification steps to confirm the credibility of the information before carrying out arrests and seizures.
What Consumers Should Know
Consumers are advised to check expiration dates on food items and to report suspicious products or store practices to authorities. Retailers should ensure proper storage conditions and prompt removal of expired goods from shelves to prevent public health risks. Regulatory agencies continue to monitor and enforce compliance to maintain safe food standards across communities.
