October 1, 2025
Philippines welcomes meat exports from Paraguay
The Philippine Department of Agriculture (DA) has accredited 14 establishments from Paraguay to supply meat products into the country.
This is to diversify access to meat as some local producers continue to grapple with constraints arising from African swine fever and avian
influenza.
Based on Department Order No. 13, these foreign meat establishments (FMEs) are now authorized to export beef, pork and poultry meat to the country.
The agency rendered the system accreditation to 14 FMEs in the South American country following their compliance with local and international standards. It is valid for three years from August 11 this year until August 11, 2028.
Before this, Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) personnel evaluated the veterinary services and animal health of Paraguay during an inspection mission conducted from Nov. 29 to Dec. 21, 2024.
The National Meat Inspection Service verified the country's food safety control between April 25 and May 16 this year.
Citing the inspection team's final report, the government of Paraguay has complied with the requirements set forth by the World Organisation for Animal Health and relevant Philippine standards.
FMEs obtain accreditations from the Philippine government after a thorough evaluation of their compliance with local and international food safety standards.
This is to ensure that meat products from exporting countries are safe for human consumption and avoid the entry of animal and food-borne diseases that might affect the farm sector.
The DA previously said it was expanding the Philippines' access to imported meat amid the prevalence of African swine fever and avian influenza.
The country imported 473.46 million kilogrammes of meat in the January to April period, based on data from the BAI. Pork comprised more than half of inbound meat shipments with a 53% share.
- Philippine Daily Inquirer
