South Korea approves PH chicken exports

THE South Korean government has approved the Philippines’ exportation of chicken, initially accrediting three poultry manufacturing companies that may start shipping their chicken meat to the East Asian country.

In a statement, the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Animal Industry (DA-BAI) said the registered Class AAA poultry facilities include LDP Farms Food Corp. in La Union, Carino and Sons Agri-Development Inc. in Batangas, and Davao-based Ana’s Breeder Farms Inc.

These facilities were inspected from September 23 to 30 by South Korea’s Ministry of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs–Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency and Ministry of Food and Drug Safety.

“Other interested poultry farms can apply for exporter accreditation until Dec. 20, 2019 for a scheduled inspection in 2020,” the DA-BAI said.

As stipulated an administrative order of the National Meat Inspection Service, Class AAA poultry farms are those having facilities and operational procedures appropriate to slaughter animals for food, premises to cut and pack carcasses or primal parts, or establishments to process and manufacture meat and meat products for distribution and sale.

Prior to the onsite inspection, the South Korean government also lifted the ban on the import of poultry and pet birds from the Philippines on July 4. It also paved the way for the resumption of the country’s access to South Korea’s duck meat and poultry egg market.

Sought for comment, lawyer Ellias Inciong, president of the United Broilers and Raisers Association, told he is not sure that the country’s exportation of chicken will be easy, citing competition from countries like Brazil, Thailand and United States.

“That is an opportunity. But I do not know if there are now firms who would want to really export their chicken to South Korea because I don’t think the cost is that attractive. It will not be easy. But if they have the capital, then the exportation could be for a long-term program for them,” said Inciong, also the director of Philippine Chamber of Agriculture and Food.

Meanwhile, local chicken supply remains stable despite being “under pressure” from the shift of consumers to poultry products amid the African swine fever scare in Luzon, he added.