July 1, 2011
 

Philippines advised to bring AO 22 to WTO

 

 

Canada's Ambassador to the Philippines Christopher Thornley said that the Philippines' Administrative Order (AO) No.22, which "disproportionately" affects imported meat products, should be brought to the attention of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

 

AO 22 was crafted by the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) of the Department of Agriculture (DA), and covers the hygienic handling of frozen and chilled meat, and meat products.

 

Thornley said that the approval of new rules on fresh meat should be delayed.

 

While Canada supports Philippine efforts to enhance food safety, he said, "we are concerned that AO 22 and its draft replacement will result in regulations governing the handling of frozen pork products which are more trade restrictive than necessary."

 

"We have yet to hear the scientific rationale that allows these different food safety measures between frozen and chilled meat, and fresh meat," Thornley said.

 

"The measures disproportionately affect imported meat products, as most of these products are imported frozen. For this reason, we request that the proposed AO be amended to reflect similar measures for the handling of both freshly slaughtered and frozen and chilled meat products," he said.

 

The DA should submit the replacement AO to the WTO and allow time for comments prior to implementation, Thornley said.

 

Philip Shull, Agriculture Counselor of the US Embassy, said the US had been verbally assured that the Philippines will notify the WTO before the proposed draft AO to replace AO 22 is implemented.

 

The main concern is over imported pork, especially offals, said Jane C. Bacayo, NMIS Executive Director, adding the Philippines is second to China as the world's major importer of offals.

 

NMIS officials trace this to the Filipino's love for food preparations that use more of innards or offals.

 

Bacayo refuted claims that AO 22 has decreased the entry of frozen pork. Current cold storage inventory of imported pork (carcass, primal parts and specialty cuts) as of April 18 this year was 5,852 tonnes, he said, adding it excluded pork offals and withdrawals from January to April 17.

 

"Since AO 22 does not impose additional restrictions and requirements for the importation of meat and meat products, we believe that prior notification to the WTO is not a mandatory requirement for its implementation," he said.

 

Bacayo said the NMIS will refer the issue to the DA undersecretary for regulations.