March 28, 2024

The threat brought about by the African swine fever in the swine industry should serve as a lesson for local government units, and the public to take food safety seriously.
The Department of Agriculture-Cordillera has called on local government units and communities to help ensure a clean swine industry in the region with the continued threat of ASF.
National Meat Inspection Service-Cordillera Director Lilia Fermin said it is about time for LGUs and the public to take meat safety as paramount considerations in ensuring health, especially with the threats posed by ASF.
She said for the LGUs, the establishment of abattoir and designation of meat inspectors should be considered a priority.
She added that Republic Act 10536, or the amended Meat Inspection Code states that meat products, which were slaughtered from unregistered or unaccredited meat establishments and those that were not inspected by authorized people are considered “hot meat.”
“LGUs should really prioritize meat safety inspection and make it part of their regulation because the definition of hot meat under the amended law already qualifies them as violators if they do not comply,” Fermin said.
In the case of indigenous peoples, Fermin said the same standards should be observed.
She said the NMIS respects the IPs’ customary practices, but added they should observe safe and hygienic slaughtering of animals to prevent possible contamination.
Several LGUs in the Cordillera have imposed a ban on the entry of live pigs and pork products because of the threat brought about by the ASF infection on the local hog industry.
Fermin said in the meantime, the NMIS is willing to train LGU personnel on basic meat inspection course. – Jane B. Cadalig