An ice plant in Tondo, Manila was raided by the NBI-Criminal Investigation Division (NBI-CRID) after it was found to be hiding expired meat. Operatives discovered numerous sacks of frozen meat labeled with Chinese characters.
According to Noel Bocaling of the NBI, only tube ice is sold outside, but inside, there is hidden meat from other countries, mostly from China. It is placed in white sacks so that the meat inside is not obvious.
The meat sold to large restaurants is estimated to be worth P15 million. According to the NBI, the plant's permit has long been expired—since 2018.
Authorities also warn that it is dangerous to eat. They say the expiration date may not be noticed because it is covered by seasoning, but it has been stored for 2-3 years.
Some Filipino workers and a Chinese national who was said to be the company's manager were arrested. They did not give any statements. According to Bocaling, the food should be chosen from the restaurant and make sure that the food has a NMIS certificate.
