Upgraded DA labs to expand food safety monitoring role

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) said it invested P55 million to expand the food safety monitoring capabilities of DA laboratories, to include testing for nitrate and nitrite contaminants in plant-based food products.

In a statement on Wednesday, the DA said laboratories operated by the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) in Quezon City, Cebu, Baguio, Davao, and Cagayan de Oro have been upgraded to conduct nitrate testing.

The facilities, operated by the Plant Product Safety Services Division, are now able to analyze key contaminants commonly found in vegetables, particularly leafy greens that are more susceptible to nitrate accumulation.

According to the DA, the program also includes funding for chromatograph equipment, laboratory chemicals, and technical training.

The DA said initial recovery tests have been completed, while validation work is ongoing to ensure the regulatory bench accuracy and consistency of laboratory results.

Once fully operational, the system is expected to support nationwide monitoring of vegetables and fruits considered at high risk for contamination, the DA said.

“This is part of our continuing effort to ensure food security, protect public health, while preparing our capacity to broaden access for Philippine plant products to markets abroad,” Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. said. — Vonn Andrei E. Villamiel