DA lifts ban on meat from Portugal

MANILA, Philippines –  The Philippines has lifted the temporary ban it imposed against the importation of beef meat and beef meat products from Portugal.

Under Memorandum Order 48-2010, Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala lifted the temporary ban after the World Organization for Animal Health or OIE declared that Portugal has controlled its outbreak of bovine spongiform encephalopathy or BSE risk and that its beef and beef products could now be safely traded.

However, the importation of beef and beef production from Portugal are still subject to the following conditions which shall be certified by the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Fisheries of Portugal.

1. Boneless and bone-in beef can be sourced from cattle of all ages devoid of any nerves and other BSE-specified risk materials (SRM).

2. The beef, whether boneless or bone-in should come only from healthy ambulatory and not downer cattle.

3. The slaughter date of the cattle or the production date of the beef shall be included in the packaging label.

All shipments into the country of beef originating from Portugal not complying with these conditions shall be confiscated by DA Veterinary Quarantine Officers/ Inspectors at all major sea/airports.