Police seize fake luncheon meats

MANILA, Philippines - Elements of the Anti-Fraud and Commercial Crimes Division of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) on Tuesday raided two branches of a popular minimart for allegedly selling counterfeit La Filipina luncheon meat.

Armed with a search warrant issued by Judge Rainelda Estacio-Montessa of the Manila RTC Branch 46, police raided stores in Mandaluyong and Marikina and were able to seize over 500 cans of luncheon meat bearing fake food labels.

The order stemmed from a complaint filed by Philippine Leading Infinite Logistics Inc. (PLILI) – distributor of La Filipina luncheon meat – against the stores for allegedly selling canned goods bearing fake food labels that were confusingly similar to their best-selling La Filipina luncheon meat brand.

PLILI counsel Giancarlo Puyo said canned goods bearing the name “Supreme Luncheon Meat” sold at the stores use an almost exact copy of the label, fonts, color and photos of the original and registered La Filipina luncheon meat. He advised consumers to be more discerning and check the labels carefully to ensure that they are purchasing the original product.

Puyo said use of fake labels is an underhanded tactic used by unscrupulous traders to deceive consumers who patronize popular brands like La Filipina. He said his client would not hesitate to file charges against those caught selling fake La Filipina canned goods.

PLILI and La Filipina Uygongco Corp. filed cases of unfair competition and trademark infringement against the stores for alleged unfair trade practices.