The Department of Agriculture is spending PHP55 million to upgrade food safety monitoring capability, equipping laboratories of the Bureau of Plant Industry nationwide to detect nitrate and nitrite contaminants in plant-based foods.

The move signals a more data-driven approach to regulating produce safety, as authorities begin building baseline evidence for future national standards.

In a statement, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the investment supports a broader push by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to strengthen food safety and expand the country’s agricultural export potential.

“This is part of our continuing effort to ensure food security, protect public health while preparing our capacity broaden access for Philippine plant products to markets abroad,” he said.

In particular, the BPI rolled out nitrate testing capabilities across five laboratories operated by the Plant Product Safety Services Division in Quezon City, Cebu, Baguio, Davao, and Cagayan de Oro.

These facilities are now able to analyze key contaminants commonly found in vegetables, particularly leafy greens that are more prone to nitrate accumulation.

Initial recovery tests have been conducted while validation is underway to ensure accurate and consistent results.

The BPI-PPSSD, however, is using European Union standards as interim reference points for food safety rules, considering the gap in regulatory benchmarks in the Philippines.

Besides food safety monitoring upgrades, the DA has also allocated funds for “ion chromatograph equipment, specialized chemicals, and technical training for personnel.”

Once fully operational, the system will support nationwide monitoring of high-risk crops, including vegetables and fruits, allowing regulators to track contamination levels more systematically. (PNA)