FDA loses regulatory oversight on animal health, dairy products

MANILA, Philippines — Key government regulatory functions over animal health and dairy products have been transferred from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to agencies under the Department of Agriculture (DA), a move seen improving the local livestock and dairy sectors.

In a statement yesterday, the DA said the shift is part of efforts to streamline regulatory processes, strengthen oversight of animal health and dairy production, as well as boost competitiveness in those industries.

With the shift, the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) will oversee veterinary drugs, products, biologics and other animal health devices.

Similarly, the National Dairy Authority (NDA) will take full regulatory control over the country’s dairy industry, including testing, accreditation and oversight from farm production to post-market distribution.

“Applications filed with the FDA before Oct. 28, 2025, will continue to be evaluated by the agency, although any that remain pending by April 25, 2026, will be transferred to BAI or NDA for final action,” said the DA.

Applications submitted after Oct. 28, 2025, will go directly to the appropriate DA agency.

Existing permits issued by the FDA will also remain valid until they expire, and the current fee schedule will continue to apply until both agricultural agencies complete public consultations and update the fees.

Sought for comment, United Broiler Raisers Association (UBRA) president Elias Jose Inciong commended the move, saying it would help ease the burden on the FDA.

“It is a welcome development. The FDA is overloaded with responsibilities,” Inciong said in a message sent to The STAR.

The local livestock and dairy sectors are major contributors to the country’s agricultural output, with their production values highlighting their importance to farmers and the wider economy.

The Philippine’s livestock sector generated P63.33 billion in 2024, contributing about 15.3 percent to the total agricultural output, according to the DA.

Meanwhile, the country’s milk production reached 18.16 million liters in the second quarter this year, with an estimated value of P1.29 billion based on an average farmgate price of P71.01 per liter.