DA bans pork from Singapore

The Department of Agriculture (DA) has issued a temporary ban on pork and pork products from Singapore.

According to a report on “24 Oras” on Friday, this is due to the outbreak of African swine fever in northwest Singapore as confirmed by the Center for Animal and Veterinary Services.

Citing DA’s Memorandum No. 20, the temporary ban on the importation includes domestic and wild pig skin, porcine processed animal proteins, and semen originating from Singapore.

Although Singapore is not an accredited country to export any swine-related commodities to the Philippines, there is a need to prevent the entry of any ASF-susceptible products, whether hand carried products from an international vessel or any other possible routes.

Meanwhile, according to the Meat Importers and Traders Association Philippines, the temporary ban will not affect the pork supply in the country. —Sherylin Untalan/LDF, GMA Integrated News