Adoption of International Food Safety Standards
- The DA recognizes and adopts international standards, guidelines, and recommendations issued by the Codex Alimentarius Commission.
- This adoption aims at synchronizing Philippine food safety measures with those of World Trade Organization (WTO) member countries.
Importance and Recognition of HACCP
- Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) is globally acknowledged as a set of procedures and standards designed to protect food production, manufacturing, and distribution from contaminants and hazards.
- HACCP has been adopted by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) as a basic sanitary or phytosanitary (SPS) standard applicable to food producers worldwide.
Mandatory Application of HACCP in Accredited Meat Establishments
- All meat establishments accredited by the National Meat Inspection Commission (NMIC) with an "AAA" classification are required to implement the HACCP Program throughout their entire food production process.
- These establishments must obtain certification from the NMIC confirming their compliance with the internationally recognized HACCP standards.
Implementation and Enforcement Guidelines
- The NMIC is responsible for issuing detailed implementing guidelines to facilitate compliance with the HACCP requirement.
Effectivity
- This administrative order takes effect following its publication in two newspapers of general circulation.
Legal Authority
- The order was promulgated by Luis P. Lorenzo, Jr., Secretary of Agriculture, exercising his official mandate.