FDA expands pork import ban over swine fever

MANILA, Philippines — To prevent the African swine fever virus from entering the Philippines, authorities have expanded the temporary ban imposed on all imported processed pork meat products to three countries and a territory. 

In an advisory issued on July 30, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) included in the ban Hong Kong, Germany, Laos and North Korea, which are suspected to be affected by the virus.

“As part of the efforts in preventing the entry of the African swine fever, the FDA expands the temporary ban on the importation, distribution and sale of all processed pork meat products from these countries,” FDA officer-in-charge Enrique Domingo said.

The public is advised to be cautious in buying and consuming processed pork meat products.

“Filipinos should only consume processed pork meat products that are sourced from countries other than those suspected to be affected by the virus and are registered with the FDA,” Domingo said.

In September  2018 and March this year, the FDA issued a similar ban on 16 countries: Belgium, Bulgaria, Cambodia, China, Czech Republic, Hungary, Latvia, Moldova, Mongolia, Poland, Romania, Russia, South Africa, Ukraine, Vietnam and Zambia.

The FDA said it does not allow the registration of processed pork meat products from these countries. 

The agency has stepped up its post-marketing surveillance and audit of all concerned and covered establishments to ensure compliance with the order.

Violators will be dealt with in accordance with the Food and Drug Administration Act of 2009, Food Safety Act of 2013 and other pertinent laws.