An increase in prices of pork products is likely to happen amid the presence of African swine fever in the country, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez said.
He confirmed in his recent interview on national TV that some brands have been requesting to increase the price of pork products, and there is a possibility.
He said that the real problem is the possible decline in supply of pork products in the country considering that some of the producers are reducing their output due to the expected decline in the demands.
Producers are expecting a drop in demand as consumers avoid buying pork products due to the presence of ASF in the country, Lopez said.
Some 12,000 pigs have so far tested positive for the ASF virus, the Department of Agriculture said Wednesday. The ASF affected areas in the country include some cities in Metro Manila, and nearby provinces in Central Luzon.
Two weeks ago, the city veterinary office of Puerto Princesa through Dr. Indira Santiago ordered the return of frozen pork meat to its origin. The hot meat was reportedly intended for retail in one of the supermarket in the city, but was found to be undocumented.
Atty. Arnel Pedrosa, city administrator assured that the city government will closely monitor to ensure and all pork meat that enter the city are safe and that the public are protected.
City Mayor Lucilo R. Bayron already issued an Executive Order on the strict implementation of prohibition of transportation of live animals, meat products and meat by-products without veterinary health certification and shipping permit.
The EO was issued in order to ensure strict implementation of food safety measures and veterinary quarantine procedures, there is an imperative need to issue this order to avoid possible entry and circulation of contaminated live animals, meat products and meat by-products without Veterinary Health Certificate and Shipping Permit.
In his order, Mayor Bayron ordered the City Veterinarian and the City Agriculturist to continue the stringent implementation of the precautionary measures to ensure food safety and food security.