ANN/ THE NATION THAILAND – The Philippines government has temporarily barred the entry of certain imported fish to avert their diversion to wet markets which could aggravate disruptions in the food value chain.
In a directive, the Philippine Department of Agriculture (DA) said it suspended the issuance of sanitary and phytosanitary import clearances (SPSICs) for importing certain fish species effective immediately.
Canners are temporarily barred from importing round scad (galunggong) and moonfish (bilong-bilong) from abroad.
Likewise, the DA held off the SPSIC issuance to processors covering imported round scad, bonito (tulingan), mackerel (alumahan), moonfish, pompano, and tuna byproducts.
The import of these fish species will only be allowed if it will be directly undertaken by processors and importers who supply raw materials to processors with licences to operate and comply with food safety standards under the Food Safety Act.
