Question & AnswerQ&A (DA ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 22)
The Order covers all persons and entities engaged in the sale of frozen meat and meat products in the meat market.
Cold Storage refers to a meat establishment accredited by NMIS used for the storage of local and imported frozen meat and meat products.
Frozen Meat and Meat Products refers to meat and meat products subjected to a freezing temperature below -18°C.
The Local Government Units (LGUs) are the principal controlling authorities for regulation and post-establishment control, while the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) assists the LGUs in implementation.
All persons and entities must be accredited or licensed by NMIS or registered with the LGUs.
They must be displayed and sold in sealed primary packaging.
Thawing and repacking must be done in an NMIS accredited meat establishment under temperature controlled environment of 10°C, and the establishment officer must inspect and certify the products fit for human consumption.
Retail packages must ensure traceability, bear the identity of the original source and NMIS repacker, be stored in refrigerated facilities, and transported in vehicles maintaining temperatures not higher than 4°C. In the meat stall, products should be kept in sanitary containers and stored at temperatures not higher than 10°C.
They must be accompanied by a Meat and Meat Product Inspection Certificate.
Violators may face penalties and sanctions under Republic Act 9296 (Meat Inspection Code of the Philippines) and may also be charged with violations under the Consumer Act of the Philippines.