A consultative meeting on the labeling of prepackaged processed meat products was held at the Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD) on December 10, 1998 to address certain issues raised by livestock farmers and consumers pertaining to the importation of buffalo meat from India and Kangaroo Meat from Australia which are being used as substitute for cattle beef and pork in various types of meat products.

The Bureau of Product Standards published PNS 891, the Standard Specification for Shelf-Stable, Chilled and Frozen Corned Beef which provides the standard for hygiene and composition requirements for corned beef products. PNS 891 prescribed that the type of meat used, whether cattle beef or carabeef, shall be indicated in the list of ingredients used and must be declared on the label.

In the interest of consumer protection and in accordance with PNS 891, it is hereby declared that:

1. Corned beef products should declare on their label the type of meat used in the list of the ingredients whether cattle beef or carabeef.
   
   
2. Meat processors are directed to submit new labels indicating the type of meat used whether cattle beef or carabeef in the list of ingredients within one month from receipt of this circular.
   
   
3. The remaining stocks of old labels shall be allowed to be consumed within 6 months from the effectivity of this circular.
   
   
4. Meat processors are required to advise BFAD in writing of their compliance.

Label declaration of specific types of meat for other meat products is recommended for further review in coordination with the concerned sectors. Such review shall be endorsed to be undertaken by the Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Product Standards of the Department of Agriculture.

For compliance.

Adopted: 22 April 1999

(SGD.) WILLIAM D. TORRES, PH.D
Director