MANILA - The Department of Labor and Employment said Tuesday it ordered the country's largest condiments company, NutriAsia, to regularize 80 workers of one of its contractors.

AsiaPro Multi-Purpose Cooperative engaged in labor-only contracting since the workers it deployed to NutriAsia did quality control and research, functions that are directly related to its client's business, the DOLE said in a statement.

The labor department is cracking down on labor-only contacting, fulfilling one of President Rodrigo Duterte's campaign promise. It earlier ordered PLDT Inc and Jollibee Foods Corp to regularize thousands.

There was no immediate comment from NutriAsia. ABS-CBN contacted the company's legal office but got no reply.

In a June 20 statement, NutriAsia "categorically" denied claims of "endo" or end of contract in its Marilao packing facility, where protests have been held this month.

NutriAsia said it "agrees and supports the government’s stand against endo and other illegal forms of contractualization."

​Nutri-Asia, Inc. (NAI) categorically denies claims that endo or “end of contract” is being practiced by its toll packer BMirk in Marilao plant. NAI agrees and supports the government’s stand against endo and other illegal forms of contractualization.

• 'Your days are numbered': Duterte signs EO to stop 'endo'

AsiaPro "has no capacity to procure its own equipment and machinery because it leases the said tools" from NutriAsia, the DOLE said.

• Workers picket NutriAsia factory

NutriAsia manufactures UFC Ketchup, Mang Tomas All-Purpose Sauce, and Datu Puti vinegar and soy sauce.

NutriAsia's other contractors are compliant with labor laws, including Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Fast Services Corp, Bison Security and Investigation Agency, City Service Corp, and Manchester Engineering, the DOLE said.