October 28, 2019

Philippines agriculture group threatens suing government for failing to test imported pork products for African swine fever

The Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG) threatened to file charges after several imported pork-based products were found to be contaminated, reported CNN.

Resendo So, chairman of SINAG said the government has been negligent in maintaining full execution for the Quarantine First Policy, noting that no imported pork and pork-based products have been tested for ASF at first port of entry.

SINAG also provided copies from Bureau of Animal Industry's clinical laboratory report, which indicated several pork products have tested positive for African swine fever (ASF) viral DNA.

Statements from SINAG were sent to the Philippine's Departments of Agriculture, Health and Bureau of Customs.

The Department of Interior and Local Government recently lifted the ban of processed meat if they are government-certified. Meat products are inspected by the Department of Agriculture and National Meat Inspection Service to ensure it has been cooked at high temperatures to eliminate ASF traces.

Ramon Lopez, Trade Secretary urged mayors and governors to allow pork products to be imported as production of processed meat have been reduced.

ASF cases are confirmed in Quezon City, Rizal, Bulacan and Pangasinan. Over 30,000 pigs have been culled since the first case of ASF was announced in July 2019.

- CNN