‘Fast food chains not affected by bird flu’

MANILA, Philippines —  A number of fast food chains have assured the public that their products are not affected by the first bird flu outbreak in the country.

“Jollibee Foods Corporation - the parent company of Jollibee, Mang Inasal, Chowking, Greenwich, and Burger King Philippines - is not affected by the reported avian flu incident in Pampanga and assures the public that all its poultry products across its brands undergo strict quality standards and are safe for consumption,” JFC said in a released statement.

McDonald's Philippines also said its chickens are free from the avian flu.

“Customers can continue to enjoy safe and quality chicken and egg products from all our stores nationwide,” McDonald’s said.

JFC said all of its poultry suppliers have confirmed that they are not affected by the avian flu. It added that its sources are outside the biosecurity kilometer range within the seven kilometer radius of the ground zero or affected area.

“JFC sources its local poultry product requirements only from accredited and reputable suppliers in the Philippines that employ fastest food practices in sourcing manufacturing preparation and delivery,”  JFC said.

“As part of our overall supply risk management against typhoons and diseases such as this, we spread out the sourcing of our poultry requirements across different areas of the country and maintain a roster of reputable suppliers to ensure continuous secure and safe supply,” it added.

Both JFC and McDonald's said they follow strict standards for their products.

“McDonald's Philippines is compliant with international and local food safety standards and handling procedures,” McDo said.

JFC said it complies with quality assurance procedures and supplier accreditation process. The company added that its stores and commisaries has its own strict quality standards on food service cleanliness and condition.

The Agriculture secretary last Sunday ordered a ban on shipment of poultry from Luzon to other points in the country. He also confirmed the country’s first outbreak of bird flu in San Luis, Pampanga last Friday.