Pre-inspection facilities for food exports sought

MANILA, Philippines – Food exporters and processors have asked the government to develop pre-inspection facilities nationwide, estimated to cost from $2 million to $3 million. These are crucial to attune the country’s food testing and certifying capabilities to that of the United States.

The testing of food products at their points of origin is a requirement of US Senate Bill 510 which will become effective January 2, 2010 once signed into law next month by President Barack Obama.  

Roberto C. Amores, president of the Philippine Food Exporters and Processors Organization (Philfoodex), said needed pre-inspection facilities include microbiology laboratory equipment, which have to be established in different areas of production, and all other bio-terrorism-related requirement.

Amores said these have to be supervised by the laboratory facility inspection system of the accrediting destination which is the US.

“With the upgrading of the pre-inspection system, we would be ready when that time comes when there is a need for this (pre-shipment) certification at the points of origin,” he said.

Amores said food exporters are in discussions with a consultancy group from the US who can arrange a pre-entry clearance from the point of origin to avoid tedious inspection process and product detention at final destination. 

He noted that industry players have to gear themselves for the requirements of the new US legislation.

“We cannot protest on a particular law being passed by the US, but we can ask for extension of its effectivity because of the preparations needed at the point of origin,” he stressed.

Amores, who is also the Food Trustee of the Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc., expressed concern that such legislation could affect the country’s food exports to the US. — PHILEXPORT News and Features