DA, DOH clearance required for meat, pork imports —Customs

In an effort to prevent the entry of food that may contain African swine fever (ASF), the Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Wednesday reiterated that food imports such as meat and pork must first be inspected and cleared before release.

According to the BOC, Republic Act No. 10611 (Act to Strengthen the Food Safety Regulatory System)  stipulates that "imported foods shall undergo cargo inspection and clearance procedures by the DA and the DOH at the first port of entry to determine compliance with national regulations."

To further ensure the safety of the public, BOC added that boarding formalities are strictly conducted by the BOC, the quarantine officers of the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) upon arrival of vessels at any port entry.

All imported agricultural goods contained in reefer containers will undergo initial examination conducted by the DA, according to BOC spokesperson and assistant commissioner Vincent Philip Maronilla.

Reefer containers will then be examined by the BAI, BPI and BFAR at accredited warehouses after the initial examination.

For meat products, reefer containers will be sealed then further examined by the National Meat Inspection Service in its warehouse, the statement said.

Commissioner Rey Guerrero also said that BOC acts promptly against derogatory reports of shipments which may contain smuggled goods and other contrabands and in enforcing the law and proper procedures against imported pork and meat products from ASF-hit countries. —Joahna Lei Casilao/LDF, GMA News