Trade dep’t wants BAI to name processed meat brand supposedly infected with ASF

The Department of Trade and Industry on Thursday called on the Bureau of Animal Industry to identify the brand of processed meat products that the bureau reported as infected with the African Swine Fever (ASF).

Trade Undersecretary Ruth Castelo told reporters that since the bureau said the products were branded, then these were issued certificates of product registration.

Castelo is concerned that the latest BAI report may further affect members of the Philippine Association of Meat Producers Inc. (PAMPI) who have complained of income losses because of the ban on live hogs and pork products implemented by local government units (LGUs).

“Kahit papano, siyempre magkakaroon ng malaking epekto ‘yon dahil matatakot ang tao. Siguro makakatulong sa PAMPI kung ipapangalan yung brand tapos i-pullout lahat sa market,” Castelo said.

“Ang problema, mahihirapan si PAMPI na pumasok lalo sa LGUs kasi matatakot ang local government units,” she added.

Castelo clarified that the Food and Drug Administration issues recall orders on food products.

But she added: “For consumer protection, tingnan natin. We can assist them.” —VDS, GMA News