Ilocos Norte tightens watch on entry of pork products

By Leilanie G. Adriano

Staff Reporter

LAOAG CITY—The Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) and the Bureau of Animal Industry continues to monitor commercial establishments selling pork and other processed meat products following the African swine fever (ASF) scare.

Ilocos Norte provincial veterinary officer Dr. Loida Valenzuela said she is glad that mall owners and giant food chains here are “self-regulating” the entry of pork and its by-products here.

On November 13, 2019, at least 169 packs of Chinese sausage, special pork longganisa, tocino, tapa and pork siomai were returned to manufacturers as a result of an executive order from Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Joseph M. Manotoc stating that “pork ban” is still in place in the province.

Giant food chains and grocery stores in the province have also cut orders on their pork-based menu while there is temporary ban on the entry of pork products in the province to protect local piggeries here from being contaminated.

“We are thankful commercial establishments are self-regulating in the province. But we still continue to be vigilant as there may still be attempts to import pork meat products from countries affected by ASF,” Dr. Valenzuela said

Meanwhile, Dr, Valenzuela also reported that the PVO and the BAI are working for the accreditation of ASF-free piggeries and processed pork products manufacturers to allow the entry of “certified” pork products in the province soon.

She also reminded consumers to buy raw meat that have been certified by the National Meat Inspection Service, or NMIS, and processed pork products manufactured by trusted brands.

The “pork ban” in Ilocos Norte took effect in August this year. Authorities said it will only be lifted after the Bureau of Animal Industry had made an official declaration that the Philippines is safe from the African swine fever and other related diseases.

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