African Swine Fever Found In Processed Meat Products
AFRICAN SWINE FEVER (ASF) – Just as the government started to lift the transport ban on processed meat products, various meat products were found positive for ASF.
The Bureau of Animal Industry reported that three meat samples they were testing were positive for ASF. They used real-time polymerase chain reaction tests.
The products that were ASF positive were hotdogs, longganisa, and tocino. Although, reports from the Bureau did not mention or specify the brand or where they came from.
However, the agriculture group Samahang Industriya ng Agrikulutra (Sinag) refuted that the products were local. According to them, the processed meat products were likely to be imported.
About a month ago, processed meat producers claimed that their products are ASF free after treatment. But, Sinag had something to say about their claims.
“This only proves that we should not trust the claims of processors that the ASF virus can actually be killed once it undergoes heat treatment“, stated Sinag.
Earlier in the week, the Deparment of Interior and Local Government lifted the ban on transportation of these products. This was after big producers warned of more than P50 billion in loss of sales.
Based on an article from Philstar, the Philippine Association of Meat Processors (PAMPI) expressed their concern over the reports. They also said that it may have been set up to make the industry look bad.
PAMPI spokesman Rex Agarrado said that anyone could have tainted the samples. He also stated that in their processes they have respected all the rules.
With this, Sinag wrote a letter to Agriculture Secretary William Dar. They wanted pork products to be tested for ASF at the port of first entry.
Thanks for reading. We aim to provide our readers with the freshest and most in-demand content. Come back next time for the latest news here on Philnews.
Like this article? READ ALSO: Burgers & Sausages Face Shortage According To Meat Producers
