Sinag: Inspect imported processed meat at port of entry
IMPORTED MEAT, ASF CARRIER
THE chairman of Samahan ng Industriyang Agrikultura (SINAG) is pushing for strict implementation of a 100 percent inspection of imported processed meat at the port of entry in the country to prevent the spread of African Swine Flu (ASF).
Rosendo So said, “Quarantine first because that’s stated in the law.” He said the port of entry must be closely monitored.
He said if there is no clearance that the shipment of imported processed meat is free from ASF, then Customs should not allow its entry. “That’s what is needed to do to at least safeguard our local swine industry,” he added.
So said checking is only done at the second border at the port of entry. “This is susceptible to switching of shipment because once it is out from the pier, we are no longer sure if the contents are still the same from the ones originally shipped, “So said.
“No matter how hard we try to do quarantine for swine in Rizal and Bulacan, if imported processed meat enters the country, then it’s useless, ” he said.
Rizal and Bulacan are among the provinces identified as having ASF incidence.
He added that the quarantine at the port of entry to be done by the Bureau of Animal Industry must be round-the-clock.
He also said that through this, there will be early detection in case there is technical smuggling thereby helping the Bureau of Customs in its job. (PhilStar Wire Service)
Share your Comments or Reactions
Powered by Facebook Comments
