BOC-Naia seizes 84 kgs of smuggled meat products from Japan

Bureau of Customs. INQUIRER file photo / JOAN BONDOC

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Customs (BOC) at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) seized a total of 84 kilograms of meat products with no proper importation documents from Japan.

The BOC said late Wednesday that the meat products have no proper import permit, clearance and health certificate from the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI).

Importation documents are necessary in order to ensure that meats from various countries abroad are not contaminated with any viruses.

According to the agency, the meat products were turned over to the BAI-Veterinary Quarantine Services on May 27.

Based on the BOC records, a total of 4,496 kgs of meat and meat products were seized and turned over to the BAI for disposal since January this year.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) recently strengthened its warning and intensified its watch against imported meat products due to the threat of African Swine Fever.

READ: DA strengthens watch vs threat of African Swine Fever

Among the products being banned for importation, distribution, and sale of processed pork meat products is Ma Ling.

The ban covers processed pork meat products from Vietnam, Zambia, South Africa, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Mongolia, Moldova, and Belgium. (Editor: Jonathan P. Vicente)

READ: Ma Ling included in FDA temporary ban on pork meat products