Dubai, UAE, August 14, 2017:  Based on a notification from the World Organisation for Animal Health about the registration of highly pathogenic avian influenza in the Republic of the Philippines, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) took the following actions:

Notably, the Ministry is keen to raise the level of food safety and ensure the provision of safe food to the consumer.  It works to implement the Federal Law No. 10 of 2015 on the safety of food, which applies to all establishments licensed to trade food or feed, and consignments coming into the country or passing through its territory.  

 

The law also applies to all stages of the food chain from primary production through processing until it reaches the end-consumer. The Ministry is responsible for standardizing and supervising food safety procedures in cooperation with concerned local food authorities. 

 

The Ministry is constantly working to develop the necessary policies, strategies and legislation to ensure food safety throughout the food chain and regulate trade activities to enhance food security. Furthermore, it supports the national economy by regulating food handling activities including import, export and re-export.

When a shipment of food products is received by the authorities in the country, the documents accompanying the consignments (certificate of origin, health certificate and other required certificates such as Halal certificate) are strictly verified. 

 

The authorities also screen the product identification cards to make sure they comply with the stringent standards of the UAE. In addition, they examine samples of the food products through necessary laboratory tests to ensure that these products are free from harmful substances or contaminants.