Question & AnswerQ&A (DENR MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 98-18)
The order governs the importation of canned, cooked, and processed pork, beef, and mutton products from the People's Republic of China into the Philippines, setting conditions and requirements for such importation.
1. Yangzhou Xinxin Food Ltd. Company in Yangzhou, Jiangsu; 2. Luohe Canned Food Company Limited in Luohe, Henan; 3. Xiang Cheng Canned Factory in Zhangzhou, Fujian.
Only canned, cooked, processed pork, beef, and mutton products from the accredited processing plants specified in the Order.
The meat must come from deboned carcasses with major lymphatic glands removed, matured at a temperature above 2.5°C for at least 24 hours post-slaughter, and with a pH value below 6.0 before deboning.
They must reach an internal core temperature of at least 70.5°C for a minimum of 30 minutes in a hermetically sealed container to ensure proper cooking and protection from viruses.
The Secretary of Agriculture may impose periodic inspections to ensure compliance with the import requirements set forth in the Order.
They must be certified by the China Commodity Inspection Bureau (CCIB) confirming the products passed ante- and post-mortem examinations, were processed under sanitary veterinary supervision, contain no harmful chemical preservatives, are fit for human consumption, and destined for sale in the Philippines.
Only original pro-forma invoices issued by the accredited processing plants and authenticated by both the Chinese Department of Foreign Affairs and the Philippine Consulate in Beijing are valid for the VQC application.
Canned meat products must be labeled 'For Export to the Philippines' and packed in cans embossed with the company patent code of the accredited processing plant.
The shelf life should be no less than 18 to 24 months from the date of manufacture, and this date must be indicated on the product.