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DA Approves new Circular on Hygienic Handling Practices and Use of Mechanically Separated Meat
Department of Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala has signed a new Department Circular (Department Circular No. 09 s. of 2015) prescribing the procedures for hygienic handling and use of mechanically separated meat (MSM) as raw material in the processing of meat products.
NMIS Bats for Establishing a Food Safety Institute
“We are now looking at establishing a Food Safety Institute (FSI) in Lipa City which eventually will host training activities aligned with that of the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS)”, disclosed by DA OIC Assistant Secretary for Regulations and concurrent Executive Director of NMIS, Dr. Minda S. Manantan, during the Meat Standards Development Consumer Protection Division (MSDCPD)’s levelling workshop in the first month of the year. She pointed out that Food Safety Institute is a dream of NMIS and hopefully the next administration will see the realization of this dream. The NMIS – Planning, Information, Monitoring Division (PIMD) was tasked to take charge of preparing the project proposal.
Public Consultation Visayas Leg on DA-NMIS and DOH-FDA
Public Consultation Visayas Leg on DA-NMIS and DOH-FDA Joint Administrative Order on the: “TRANSFER OF REGULATORY FUNCTIONS OVER PROCESSED MEAT”
DA APPROVES NEW CIRCULAR TO STOP THE TRADE OF DOG MEAT IN THE PHILIPPINES
Department of Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala has signed a new Administrative Circular (Department of Agriculture Administrative Circular No. 1 s. of 2016) prescribing a national plan of action to eliminate the trade of dog meat in the Philippines.
The newly signed Circular was issued to ensure that only food animals will be made available to the people and to assure the people of the effective enforcement of the laws that prevent the trade of dog meat in the country. Dog meat is not among the food animals mentioned in RA 9296 (Meat Inspection Code in the Philippines) as amended by RA 10536.
The approved Circular calls for a 2015-2020 Philippine Action Plan on Dog Meat Elimination to address policies and legal basis deficiencies, lack of awareness and to promote education and capability building. It also facilitates implementation, identifies budgetary requirements and other logistical support towards plan implementation and program sustainability.
With the implementation of this National Plan of Action, the perceived inaction of the government regarding the atrocities on dogs and consumption of dog meat as well as the health and sanitation issues accompanying in eating of a non-food animal will be addressed thereby paving the way in realizing a dog meat trade-free in the Philippines and supporting its vision of a rabies-free by the year 2020.
The Circular authorizes the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) and Department of Agriculture (DA) to use their annual appropriations to implement the approved Action Plan for animal welfare and anti-rabies campaign. The National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) is similarly directed to fund its activities against dog meat trade. SHIELA B. ENDRINA - Information Officer II
