Question & AnswerQ&A (DA MEMORANDUM ORDER NO. 11)
The main subject is the importation of kangaroo meat from Australia and the specific requirements for its Veterinary Quarantine Clearance (VQC).
The Veterinary Quarantine Clearance ensures that kangaroo meat imported into the Philippines complies with sanitary, veterinary, and quarantine requirements to prevent the entry of diseases and ensure food safety.
The meat must come from kangaroos kept in Australia with no reported OIE List A diseases transmissible to kangaroos within the last twelve months before slaughter, and must be free from Salmonellosis or OIE List B diseases.
The kangaroo must have remained in Australian territory for at least three months before slaughter, or since birth in the case of animals less than three months old.
The meat must be wholesome according to international sanitary requirements for game animals, produced under veterinary supervision, and packaged and transported in accordance with international veterinary hygiene standards.
The meat must be produced in plants under veterinary supervision and accredited to process products for export.
Based on Australia's National Residue Survey, it is assumed that the meat does not contain residues at levels likely to be injurious to human health.
Testing of similar product in Australia indicates that radiation levels must be within acceptable international standards.
The packaging must be safe to human health, and transport must follow international veterinary hygiene requirements to ensure the meat remains safe and uncontaminated.