THE local government of Zamboanga City in coordination with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have conducted “strike inspections” to ensure that the ban against processed pork products from countries affected by the African swine fever (ASF) virus is implemented locally.

The city government has recently activated the Task Force “Karne” to ensure the national ban on the importation, distribution and sale of all processed pork products from countries affected by the virus is implemented.

The task force is composed of the Office of the City Veterinarian (OCVet), the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS), Task Force Ordinance, the Licenses and Business Permits Division of the City Mayor’s Office, and among others.

Dr. Mario Arriola, OCVet chief, said they have so far confiscated 91 cans of pork luncheon meat from China.

Arriola said that of the total, 55 cans were seized from four stalls at the Sta. Cruz Commercial Complex, two from a stall at the Zamboanga City Main Public Market, and 34 cans from four stores in this city’s west coast, particularly in the villages of Ayala and Labuan.

He said the confiscated items were placed under the custody of the FDA.

The Department of Agriculture together with the FDA has issued bans against 17 countries that has reported ASF.

These are Russia, Ukraine, Czech Republic, Moldova, South Africa, Zambia, Hungary, Bulgaria, Belgium, Latvia, Polan, Romania, China, Mongolia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Hong Kong, and North Korea. (Bong Garcia/SunStar Philippines)