February 3, 2022

Philippines lifts temporary ban on cattle imports from Germany and Canada

The Philippines' The Department of Agriculture has lifted the temporary ban on cattle imports from Germany and Canada, which was imposed because of the mad cow disease cases, The Philippine Star reported.

The ban on German cattle imports was issued in November for atypical Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) cases in Kraiburg, while the ban on Canadian cattle imports was issued in December because the disease was detected in Alberta.

William Dar, Philippines' Agriculture Secretary, said they have requested and received documentary requirements from the veterinary authorities of Germany and Canada, which includes the profile of BSE positive animals, their disease response measures, and their national BSE surveillance activities.

Dar said conditions have been introduced for lifting the ban, which includes ensuring that imports of boneless beef (except meat from head, industrial, sangria and neck meat) are sourced from cattle of all ages devoid of any nerves and other BSE-specified risk materials (SRM). These conditions need to be certified by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CIFA) and the German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture.

Dar also said the cattle's slaughter date or beef production date must be added to the packaging label.

-      The Philippine Star