Objectives
- Support food safety risk analysis program of the Department of Agriculture (DA)
- Establish a traceability system for product conditions and recall
- Increase confidence among regulators, industry, and consumers regarding cold storage measures
Definitions
- Accreditation: Formal recognition of CSWs complying with DA standards
- Agricultural and fishery products: Raw or processed commodities for human or animal consumption
- Cold-chain: Maintaining ideal temperature during post-harvest
- Commercial Purposes: Use for any profit-oriented business regardless of quantity
- Committee on CSW Accreditation (CCSWA): Inspectors from relevant DA agencies overseeing audits
- Competent Authority (CA): DA agency responsible for enforcing laws over specific commodities
- Provisional Certificate: Temporary accreditation for 6 months to 1 year subject to compliance
- Sanitary/Phytosanitary Clearance: Issued to manage food safety and pest risks
- Traceability: Ability to track food through production, processing, storage, distribution
Requirements for Accreditation and Renewal
- Application must include notarized form, floor/layout plans, photos, business permits, sanitary clearances, and fee payment receipt
- Renewal requires updated documents plus records of clientele and facility improvements
Audit and Assessment
- Conducted by CCSWA
- Results endorsed to Cold Storage Warehouse Composite Team (CSWCT) Chairman and Competent Authorities
Accreditation Procedures
- Submission of application to relevant CA
- Payment of fees according to commodity type
- Inspection and evaluation for compliance with standards
- Recognition of certificates from EU/Non-EU plants, GMP/HACCP certified plants
- Certificate valid for two years; provisional certificate valid for 6 months to 1 year
- Conditions for issuance, suspension, revocation clearly stated
Renewal of Accreditation
- Application submitted 60 days prior to expiry
- Renewal follows initial certificate expiry date
- Non-renewal leads to automatic revocation
- Required compliance for renovation or equipment upgrades prior to endorsement
Implementation and Competent Authorities
- BFAR for fish and aquatic products
- NMIS for meat and meat products
- BPI for fruits, vegetables, and plant products
- BAI for eggs, milk products, and animal feeds
- Competent Authorities oversee unloading and proper handling in accredited CSWs
Responsibilities of Cold Storage Operators
- Comply with Certificate terms
- Cooperate with inspections and traceability systems
- Provide access to premises and records
- Immediately report technical issues to authorities
- Prohibit storage/release of products without proper clearance
CCSWA Functions
- Conduct audits and assessments
- Endorse reports to CSWCT
- Handle objections and recommend actions
CSWCT Functions
- Review audit reports and recommendations
- Issue certificates or disapproval
- Investigate violations and recommend penalties
- Maintain updated lists of accredited and non-compliant CSWs
Repealing Clause
- Inconsistent regulations and orders are modified, revoked, or repealed
Penalty Provision
- Violators penalized under existing relevant laws applicable to this Order
Effectivity
- Becomes effective 15 days after publication in newspapers and filing at the UP Law Center