FDA allows ASF-free Mekeni to sell pork products
THE Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has allowed the redistribution of pork-based products of Pampanga-based Mekeni Food Corp. after these were cleared of the African Swine Fever (ASF) virus.
“They already tested negative and are now allowed,” FDA Director General Rolando Enrique D. Domingo said in a text message.
“After a thorough review of the documents and test results, the FDA gave Mekeni the clearance to redistribute,” Mekeni said in a statement.
The company has agreed to allow tests of incoming raw meat from both foreign and local suppliers, while periodic environmental swabbing of its facilities will also be done to prevent possible contamination.
The meat processor on Nov. 22 submitted to the FDA corrective actions it had implemented, as well as the results of the test conducted by Standard Global Services (SGS).
This was after branded and unbranded processed pork products were confiscated at Calapan Port in Oriental Mindoro on Oct. 6 that tested positive for ASF. There were unconfirmed reports during that time that the branded processed pork products had come from Mekeni.
The meat processor voluntarily recalled its pork-based products on Oct. 26.
Mekeni President Prudencio S. Garcia said they would continue to work with the government in controlling the spread of the virus. — Vincent Mariel P. Galang
