In response to the registration of highly pathogenic avian influenza in the Philippines, the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MoCCaE) has banned the import of all kinds of live domestic and wild birds, and poultry from the country.

In a statement issued on Monday, Dr Majid Sultan Al Qasimi, director of Animal Health and Development Department, noted that the ban also extends to ornamental birds, hatching eggs and their thermally-not-treated waste.

Additionally, imports of poultry meat and thermally-not-treated products and eggs from the affected province of Pampanga are prohibited. Thermally treated poultry products and poultry waste from the Philippines, however, are allowed. Similarly, imports from before July 3 remain allowed.

The law also applies to all stages of the food chain from the primary production through the processing and until it reaches the consumer.

The ministry is constantly working on developing the necessary policies, strategies, and legislations to ensure food safety throughout the food chain and regulating trade activities to enhance food security. It also supports the national economy by regulating food handling activities including import, export, and re-export.

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

The authorities also screen the product identification cards to make sure it complies with the UAE standards and examine samples of the food products through necessary laboratory tests to ensure that the food products are free from harmful substances or contaminants.

Source: Khaleej Times