Frozen Meat Handling Rules in Meat Markets

Cold Storage: NMIS-accredited establishments for storing frozen meat products.
Frozen Meat and Meat Products: Meat subjected to freezing below -186C.
Hot Meat: Meat handled or processed in unregistered/unaccredited establishments.
Meat Establishment: NMIS-approved premises involved in slaughtering, processing, or storage of meat.
Meat Market: Government-authorized areas for meat trade, including public markets and supermarkets.
Meat Product: Food products made wholly or partly from meat, with certain exemptions.
Post-establishment Control: Surveillance and monitoring of meat during transport and sale, including detection of illegal processing/storage.
Primary Packaging: First layer of food-grade wrapping directly contacting the product to prevent contamination.
Thawing: Defrosting frozen products through temperature exposure or technology.

Local Government Units (LGUs) responsible for regulation within their jurisdiction under RA 7160.
LGUs conduct post-establishment control, monitoring transport, storage, display, and documentation.
National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) assists LGUs in implementing regulations.

Accreditation: All handlers and sellers of frozen meat must be NMIS-accredited or registered with LGUs.
Packaging: Frozen products must be displayed and sold in sealed primary packaging.
Thawing and Repacking: Must be done in NMIS-accredited establishments under temperature-controlled environments (106C).
Inspection: Meat establishment officers inspect and certify fitness for human consumption.
Traceability: Retail packaging must bear original source identity and repacker information.
Storage and Transport: Packages stored refrigerated, transported below 46C.
Meat stall storage: Retail-packed products kept in sanitary containers at not higher than 106C.
Mandatory Documentation: Meat and Meat Product Inspection Certificate must accompany all frozen meat sold.

Violators subject to penalties under RA 9296 (Meat Inspection Code of the Philippines).
Additional charges may apply under the Consumer Act of the Philippines.

The order takes effect 15 days after publication in a newspaper of general circulation or the Official Gazette.
Filing of a copy at the UP Law Center is required.