MANILA, Philippines – The National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) made the rounds of public markets in Metro Manila on Wednesday (January 9).
Specifically, the team visited Pasig City Mega Market to allay fears over the possible entry of the highly contagious hog disease that is infesting major pig farms in China and other countries in Europe — the African Swine Fever (ASF).
“Sa ating mga consuming public, wala po tayong dapat na ikabahala doon sa kumakalat na balita tungkol doon sa sinasabing African Swine Fever,” assured Dr. Rolando Marquez, the head of the NMIS Central Office Enforcement Team.
“Ang ginagawa po ng National Meat Inspection Service katuwang po ng ating mga lokal na pamahalaan ay patuloy pong nagmamanman dito sa mga palengke para masiguro natin na ‘yung binebentang karne ay safe,” he added.
The NMIS made certain that pork products available in all markets across the country are safe and free of ASF because 95% of these pork products come from local hog raisers and only 5% are imported.
So far, the government has temporarily suspended that importation of pork especially from countries affected by the ASF outbreak.
Stricter measures in meat inspection have also been imposed in several markets such as in Pasig City.
“Talagang ang mga meat inspections sa amin, araw-araw nag-i-inspect; kada madaling-araw. Bumababa pa lang ang baboy dito, ang mga meat inspector, andiyan na, nakabantay na. Walang nakakalusot sa amin,” explained Kiko Reynoso, president of the Pasig City Mega Market Meat Section
Nevertheless, the agency still advises the public to be cautious in purchasing pork and pork-based products.
“Syempre malay mo, mamaya may dalang mga sakit ‘yon. Tinitingnan ko ‘yung binibili ko kung talagang sariwa ‘yon at saka hindi frozen,” said consumer Estrella Tanchingco.
“Bumibili pa rin pero tinitingnan ko ‘yung ano ng baboy. Nagtatanong dito sa nagtitinda na kung ano ba ‘yung baboy nila? Safe ba? Syempre nakakatakot ‘yun sa mga mamimili,” added another shopper,Tessy Precioso.
The NMIS as always encourages the public to immediately report to the authorities any irregularities in meat supply or delivery in their area through National Meat Inspection Service Contact Numbers (02) 9247980 and 09178367009.
There is no reported human transmission of ASF as of today but it can speedily spread and cause mass slaughter of hogs and consequently incur huge amount of economic losses, according to the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI). — Marje Pelayo (with reports from Asher Cadapan Jr.)
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