Dairy authority beefs up CV farms inspection

CEBU, Philippines — In its aim to bolster quality dairy products and protect its consumers, the National Dairy Authority of Central Visayas (NDA-7) will continue inspections on farms across the region in order to ensure the quality of the milk produce.

The agency also urged local dairy farmers and operators to strictly adhere to the Dairy Safety Regulations and regularly secure license to operate (NDA-LTO) with the agency.

The inspections on the farm will include critical aspects of waste management, farm maintenance, and record-keeping of each dairy farm.

The inspections will be conducted at least once every six months as agreed with the Dairy Business Operators (DBOs) in Central Visayas.

On the other hand, farmers who wish to operate a dairy farm should obtain NDA-LTO with a one-time payment of Php 500 for registration.

Other requirements needed are barangay certificates that allow farming in the area and local government units (LGUs) must acknowledge dairy operators as legal entities to operate.

A risk management plan is also necessary, including health certificates for dairy farm workers, bacteriological testing of water, and veterinary certifications.

“Ang gatas nga na produce gikan sa animals limpyo na siya, mahugaw rana siya tungod sa iyang environment or tungod sa handling. Meaning, mahugaw ra ang gatas kung hugaw ang proceso dili tungod sa sulod sa hayop,” said Riannon Agas, NDA-7 food technologist.

Animals like goats, cows and carabaos must also be tested for zoonotic diseases like brucellosis and tuberculosis wherein veterinarians must certify that these animals are free from such diseases.

Agas clarified that applying for NDA-LTO is not as complex as the aspiring applicants seemed to think. He said that most of the dairy safety regulations remain unchanged.

Currently, there are about 20 DBOs in the region and are often tapped for supplying milk for feeding programs. –/DGI (FREEMAN)