Cops seize luncheon meat with fake labels

MANILA, Philippines–Police have seized hundreds of cans of luncheon meat products bearing fake labels during a raid on Tuesday of a popular minimart in Mandaluyong and Marikina City.

Armed with a search warrant issued by Judge Rainelda Estacio-Montessa of the Manila regional trial court, members of the Antifraud and Commercial Crimes Division of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) raided the minimart’s branch on New Panaderos St., Kalentong, Mandaluyong City and another on Sumulong Highway, Marikina City. Seized were over 500 cans of luncheon meat bearing fake food labels of La Filipina.

The order stemmed from a complaint filed by Philippine Leading Infinite Logistics, Inc. (PLILI), distributor of La Filipina Luncheon Meat, against the minimart 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 the canned products bearing the name “Supreme Luncheon Meat” sold at the minimarts 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 the use of fake labels is an underhanded tactic of 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 minimart for its alleged unfair trade practices.