June 3, 2005

Philippine government lifts ban on Canadian meat

Meat processors and traders in the Philippines can now import meat and meat products from Canada following the lifting on the temporary ban on meat from that country.

The government's decision came about after Canada introduced measures to contain the outbreak of mad cow disease and ensured food safety in Canada.

However, only deboned and deglanded beef from cattle not older than 30 months, devoid of any nerves and other BSE specified risk materials will be allowed. Additionally, the beef should come only from healthy ambulatory and not downer cattle.

The age of the slaughtered cattle will be certified by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) or a third party certification company to be accredited by the Philippine Department of Agriculture. The production or slaughter date of the beef must also be included in the packaging label.

All shipments of beef originating from Canada not complying with these conditions will be confiscated by Philippine DA Quarantine Inspectors.