Manila orders closure of meat processing plant infected by ASF from China

Boxes of smuggled meat from China, which were contaminated by the African Swine Fever, were confiscated by the Manila Veterinary Inspection Board on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2020. (Photo from Manila Public Information Office)

MANILA, Philippines — A meat processing facility was ordered closed by the Manila City government on Wednesday as local officials intercepted a container-load of meat from China reportedly contaminated by the African swine fever (ASF).

A closure order from the office of Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso read that Dr. Nicanor Santos, officer-in-charge of the Special Enforcement Squad of the Veterinary Inspection Board, conducted a routine inspection at the Ecosafe Agro-Products Manufacturing located at Manila Harbor Center at Road 10 in Vitas, Tondo which led to the discovery of the smuggled meat weighing around 25 tons.

A total of 988 cartons of chicken pot wrapped meat, 499 cartons of chicken with black pepper, 199 cartons of popcorn chicken from China were confiscated, read the closure order.

This was in violation of the Meat Inspection Code of the Philippines, Food Safety Act of the Philippines, and Department of Agriculture Administrative Order No. 26 series of 2005 or the Revised Rules, Regulations, and Standards Governing the Importation of Meat and Meat Products into the Philippines.

There were also no business permits issued for the store for meat importation and cold storage from the facility, according to the order.

“This is a clear violation of the terms and conditions stated in your business permit which states that ‘any misrepresentation in the application for this permit shall cause the immediate revocation of the same and the forfeiture of all taxes and fees in favor of the city government of Manila,” the document read.

“In view of the above misrepresentation and enormous declaration, your business establishment is hereby ordered closed effective immediately,” it added.

Edited by JPV