Government agencies such as the Department of Health's Food and Drug Administration are extending technical assistance to food exporters to help them comply with stringent health and safety requirements imposed by importing countries.

The European Union, Japan and the United States — the country's major food export destinations — have instituted rules this year that require specific health and safety procedures in countries where they source their food imports.

One requirement is the irradiation of certain products before shipment, with results that must be verified by an independent third party.

Another is the pre-shipment testing of food exports for chemical residue, particularly poisonous pesticides.

The Philippine Nuclear Research Institute already has two irradiation treatment facilities that the FDA uses for the purpose.

The National Food Authority's Food Development Center also has facilities to test and evaluate the reduction of microorganisms found in irradiated products for the export market.

However, the FDC has not yet been accredited by the European Union as the country’s official evaluator.

Jason Lao, chief of the Product Research and Strategy Group of the Bureau of Export Trade Promotions, said in a recent letter to Philippine Exporters Confederation president Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr. that this will be worked out with the EU.

Among the processed food products subjected to irradiation treatment to decontaminate them from harmful microbes are powdered black and white pepper, powdered onions, ginger powder, ampalaya powder, tamarind powder, dydrated chives and carrots.

Among the fresh fruits irradiated before being shipped out are mangoes and papayas.

Rice, corn, mungbean, onion and garlic bulbs for export are likewise irradiated to rid them of insect infestation and inhibit the sprouting of the garlic and onion bulbs. — BM, GMA News