PAMPI asks DA to review Indian buffalo meat import ban

The Philippine Association of Meat Processors, Inc. (PAMPI) has requested the Department of Agriculture (DA) to review its ban on buffalo meat imports from India.

The DA recently accredited 34 Indian suppliers of buffalo meat, allowing them to continue shipping to the Philippines while maintaining a ban on 13 companies located in states with active foot and mouth disease (FMD) outbreaks.

PAMPI cited concerns over existing contracts for January and February production that would be affected by the ban due to FMD cases in Indian states like Bihar, Maharashtra, and Telangana.

The Bureau of Animal Industry halted SPS clearances for products from these three states, which PAMPI warns could lead to a lack of raw material inventory for canned goods production.

PAMPI emphasized that losing India as the sole source of buffalo meat would be detrimental to the industry's food security and economic interests, urging the DA to conduct a thorough review to balance industry needs with public health concerns.

The DA stated that it aims to broaden sourcing options for Philippine food processors and potentially lower costs for Filipino consumers while ensuring compliance with safety standards.