February 27, 2007

Philippines may be leader in food safety

The Philippines can be a leader in food safety as it is free from foot-and-mouth-disease (FMD) and the dreaded avian influenza, said Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap. 

Yap stressed the country can take advantage of its AI and FMD-free status to expand the export market for its chicken and pork products.

To capture the export market though, Yap stressed that Philippine food products must meet all the necessary phytosanitary and quality tests of importing countries such as the United States, European Union (EU) and Japan that have very strict food safety and quality standards.

The Philippines just recently passed the EU's rigorous hazard analysis test which would pave the way for Philippine exports of tuna, bangus (milkfish) and prawns to Europe.