The Philippine Association of Meat Processors, Inc. (PAMPI) is seeking an audience with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) after the agency ordered several local government units (LGUs) to exclude processed meats that are duly registered with the Food and Drug Administration from provincial bans on pork and pork products in relation to the spread of African swine fever (ASF).
In a letter signed by the group’s president, Felix Tiukinhoy, Jr. as well as its vice president, Jerome Ong, the meat processors said a meeting with DILG secretary Eduardo Año can further inform the latter with a more detailed briefing on the issue.
“We appreciate and fully support your office in exercising your oversight powers over LGUs. We note, sir, that while the lifting of the restriction will help reduce our business losses, the much greater benefit will be for our people who are assured of continued supply of affordable and protein-filled nutritious products,” the letter further read.
PAMPI also assured anew the DILG that its products are safe for consumption and are not carriers of the ASF virus.
