Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. said Wednesday the agency approved the accreditation of 34 Indian companies to supply frozen buffalo meat, locally known as carabeef.
The DA is looking at expanding sourcing options for Philippine food processors and potentially lowering consumer costs for products such as corned beef.
“Our goal is not to increase imports but to encourage competition among foreign suppliers. This will drive down the cost of imported agricultural products, benefiting Filipino consumers,” Tiu Laurel said.
The newly accredited companies include six exporters initially approved in 2019, with accreditation valid until Dec. 12, 2027.
The DA confirmed that all companies passed rigorous inspections conducted by the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) and the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS).
It said 13 of the 34 companies, operating in Maharashtra, Telangana and Bihar, were barred from exporting due to active foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreaks in these states.
Tiu Laurel assured the public that carabeef imports from these regions would remain prohibited until India’s National Competent Authority declares them FMD-free.
The DA said it is open to exploring new import processes to address FMD risks.
Laurel noted that if India implements heat treatment methods, similar to Pakistan’s approach for buffalo meat exports to China, these products could be allowed.
The decision to accredit more exporters supports local meat processors, who depend on affordable carabeef to produce low-cost products, the agency said.
The Philippines imports about 40 percent of its carabeef needs to meet market demand.
