QuestionsQuestions (ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 7, S. 2001, NOVEMBER 26, 2001)
It is issued pursuant to Republic Act No. 8485, otherwise known as the Animal Welfare Act of 1998.
All poultry processing plants must ensure adequate protection and welfare of birds while awaiting slaughter, avoiding mishandling or unnecessary pain/distress during slaughtering.
Meat Control Officers or Meat Inspectors from the National Meat Inspection Commission (NMIC) or from local government.
Slaughtering and/or dressing must be done in the presence of an Animal Welfare Officer.
They are deputized as Animal Welfare Officers by the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) through the NMIC.
They must be trained by the NMIC and kept abreast of the implementing rules and guidelines of RA 8435 (Animal Welfare Act).
A person deputized by the Bureau of Animal Industry to monitor the welfare of animals before and during the slaughter process.
They must have proper ventilation and protection from adverse weather.
The system must avoid jolting or undue tilting.
Poultry must not be suspended with head downward for more than three (3) minutes; turkeys for no more than six (6) minutes.
It must ensure that suspended birds stay well clear of all obstructions even when wings are outstretched.
Presence of the worker is necessary throughout that whole length to provide immediate attention when needed.
Plants must have contingency plans so birds awaiting slaughter are not held in excess of the recommended twelve (12) hours time limit.
They shall be slaughtered without undue delay.
It must be limited to the pace that allows efficient worker tasks without undue haste and with proper regard for bird welfare.
Electrical stunning (rod or water) must be used; no unstunned chicken shall be bled properly; birds shall be bled immediately after they are stunned.
A back-up stunner must always be available if the automatic electrical stunner fails; a back-up slitter must be properly positioned at all times.
Violation of any provision is penalized in accordance with the law.
Fifteen (15) days after publication in a newspaper of general circulation.