New guidelines for deputizing meat inspectors

MANILA, Philippines — The government is moving to tighten meat safety nationwide by developing new guidelines for deputizing local government meat officers and meat inspectors, a move that could lead to stricter inspections and safer meat products for consumers.

In an advisory yesterday, the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) said it would accept public comments on the draft guidelines until Nov. 10.

“This guideline shall cover the application, deputation and incentivization of (local government unit meat inspector officers), who shall conduct the required inspection and certification of meat at assigned NMIS licensed meat establishments under the direct supervision of the NMIS,” the circular said.

The draft circular aims to address manpower gaps and ensure compliance across licensed meat establishments, including slaughterhouses, poultry dressing plants, meat cutting plants, cold storage warehouses and distribution centers.

The guidelines specify qualifications, documentary requirements and responsibilities.

Deputized officers are tasked with monitoring hygiene, animal welfare and food safety, certifying the fitness of meat for human consumption and reporting their inspections to NMIS.

Monthly incentives are set at P3,500 for meat officers and P2,500 for meat inspectors, depending on actual work and the validity of the meat establishment’s license.

Authority is limited to establishments listed in the deputation order and violations such as fraud, negligence or falsification may result in suspension or revocation.

The draft circular also specifies the duties of deputized meat officers at slaughterhouses and poultry dressing plants.

They must check animal documents, enforce humane handling and slaughter, conduct ante-mortem and post-mortem inspections, condemn unfit meat and ensure proper disposal.

At meat cutting plants, cold storage warehouses and distribution centers, officers are tasked with inspecting meat for safety, confiscating contaminated or misbranded products, monitoring loading and unloading and submitting reports.

Their work will be evaluated semiannually, and sanctions may be imposed for negligence, falsification, inefficiency or habitual tardiness.

The circular takes effect immediately upon filing with the Office of the National Administrative Register at the University of the Philippines Law Center and will undergo a mandatory review after two years.