Mekeni voluntarily recalls products over ASF apprehensions

Pampanga-based meat processor Mekeni Food Corp. on Saturday announced the voluntary recall of its pork-based products amid speculations of African Swine Fever (ASF) contamination.

“We have submitted samples of our pork-based products to the BAI (Bureau of Animal Industry) as well as an independent testing facility,” Mekeni said in a statement. “Even as we wait for the results of these tests, we have decided to initiate a voluntary recall of all of our pork-based products effective 26 October 2019.”

The recall was initiated to mitigate the possibility that Mekeni products inadvertently became carriers of ASF.

A media report alleged that Mekeni processed meat products had tested positive for ASF.

A copy of the clinical laboratory report from the Animal Industry Bureau’s Veterinary Laboratory Division was leaked to the media, showing that three meat samples were contaminated with the ASF virus.

The samples—hotdog, longganisa, and tocino—came from a sender with the address 262-C Teresa St., Sta. Mesa, Manila.

The name and address of the owner as well as the name of the samples' sender were redacted.

Mekeni Food president and CEO Prudencio Garcia on Friday said that they had not received official confirmation from authorities that their products tested positive of ASF. 

“Mekeni Food Corporation has always been committed to providing the best quality products to every Filipino family that has trusted and loved our products over the last 32 years,” it said.

“While we have always been fully compliant with all government regulations, we also have been cooperating with the Department of Agriculture and the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) in their ongoing testing of products for possible exposure to African Swine Fever (ASF).”

The company noted that pork-based processed meat products were safe for consumption.

“No less than the Department of Health and the Department of Agriculture have reiterated that ASF poses no danger to human health,” it said.

“Mekeni was built by the hard work of our employees and the trust and loyalty of our customers,” it added.

“We made a promise when we started Mekeni to always bring to everyone the same quality food we would bring home to our own families.”

Despite recent developments, Mekeni said they were determined to provide the best quality products.

“Kami ay taos-pusong nagpapasalamat sa bawat pamilyang Pilipino na walang sawang sumusuporta at nagtitiwala sa Mekeni,” said the company. — John Ted Cordero/DVM, GMA News