Stricter rules on imported frozen meat remain – Agri chief

Despite requests from the US and Canadian governments, the Philippine Agriculture department is not keen on suspending the implementation of a new administrative order calling for increased sanitary procedures on all frozen meat products. "I have yet to see the letter from the embassies of the US and Canada. I was told that the letters which came in last week requested the suspension of AO 22," said Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala at a press briefing late Friday. Administrative Order (AO) 22, which took effect on December 12, imposes stricter sanitary measures on frozen meat products and orders the setting-up of more cold chain systems as a quality control mechanism. Alcala said the order would remain in effect, as he believes it would be beneficial to both consumers and producers. "We compel local producers to have their products inspected and stamped by the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS). Why should foreign traders be exempted?" he said. According to Alcala, AO 22 will improve the traceability of imported meat products shipped into the Philippines, which in turn will boost government efforts to promote the local livestock sector. The Bureau of Animal Industry, however, said it has received letters from the American and Canadian embassies asking that the implementation of the order be deferred, saying they need more time to prepare local retailers to adjust to the new requirements. AO 22 requires all persons and entities engaged in the handling and sale of frozen meat and meat products to be accredited and licensed by the Meat Inspection Agency, or registered with local government units. It also requires retail packages be stored in refrigerated facilities and transported in vehicles that are able to maintain temperature not higher than 4 degrees Celsius. The order also requires sellers and vendors of frozen meat to secure a “Meat and Meat Product Inspection Certificate" for their goods. The local hogs sector has expressed support for the order, which they said ensures the safety of frozen meat. The group added that the sale of imported frozen meat should likewise be banned to prop up the local industry. The Meat Importers and Traders Association, however, is seeking the suspension of the order, citing policy deficiencies and the lack of consultation with the affected groups prior to its approval and implementation. - JA/KBK, GMANews.TV