The Philippines can now export processed meat products to Japan after the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare included Manila in the list of certified countries that passed the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point-based (HACCP) hygiene management protocols.
The Philippines has been supplying chicken yakitori to Japan for over 10 years prior to the inclusion.
Agriculture Secretary William Dar said the Philippines was pleased over meeting the stringent standards required by the Japanese authorities on food imports.
“This is definitely a big boost for our livestock producers, and food manufacturers, meat processors, and exporters, as we continue to look for market opportunities to jumpstart the country’s economic recovery amid the pandemic,” said Dar.
“It is also a testament to our commitment in providing safe, healthy and world-class quality food for both domestic and export markets, and Japan is a discriminating market. Thus, we look forward to penetrating more export markets,” he added.