Laboratory Services Program

This is one of the support programs to the regulatory functions of the agency through a variety of activities such as testing/analysis and monitoring of swab, water, meat and meat products samples. Several subprograms make up the laboratory services program: the National Veterinary Drug Residue Monitoring Program, the Trichinella Monitoring Program and the Pathogen Reduction Monitoring Program.

The National Veterinary Drug Residue Monitoring Program was created by virtue of DA Administrative Order No. 14 series of 2006 wherein NMIS was tasked to analyze meat samples, urine and edible tissues for the presence of any banned and/or regulated drugs.

Now, due to the public health significance of a nematode parasite that can cause human foodborne illnesses when raw or improperly cooked meat, containing its larvae, is consumed, the Trichinella Monitoring Program was established. Inspection and monitoring of the parasite is now part of the agency’s continuing health monitoring program to incessantly guard the consuming public. Equivalent concern is also felt in addressing the trade requirements of importing countries, thus, expanding the market for our pork and pork products.

On the other hand, the Pathogen Reduction Monitoring Pro-gram aims to determine the tolerable limit of bacterial spoil-age on meat and provide data of the identified pathogens. It also aims to monitor the unsanitary practices and improper handling of meat during slaughter and transport.

Aside from those subprograms, public services are also offered wherein external stakeholders like importers, exporters and walk-in clients are benefited. These public services include enumeration and detection of pathogens as well as identification of yeast and molds on fresh, processed and imported frozen meats; sterility test on canned meats; carotene test; determination of moisture content on meat samples and of nitrite concentration on processed meats; screening of antibiotics and banned drugs; necropsy; and identification of zoonotic parasites.

Attachments:

laboratory-services-program.pdf [ ]67 Kb