WHEREAS, there was a reported case of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) or Mad Cow Disease in the USA;

WHEREAS, there is increasing scientific evidence that the new variant of Creutzfedlt-Jakob Disease (nvCJD or vCJD) in human could probably be transmitted by eating BSE-affected animals;

WHEREAS, the Philippines imports beef tallow from the USA; and

WHEREAS, there is a need to prevent the entry of BSE into the country.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, LUIS P. LORENZO, JR., Secretary of Agriculture, by the powers vested in me by law, do hereby institute precautionary measures to prevent entry of BSE contaminated tallow from USA, and prescribe the following:

1.  The tallow should be protein free with maximum level of insoluble impurities of 0.15% in weight and certified by the USDA or a third party certification company to be accredited by the Philippine Department of Agriculture;

2.  All shipments into the country of tallow originating from the USA not complying with these conditions shall be confiscated by all DA Quarantine Inspectors/Officers at all major sea/air ports.

This Order shall take effect immediately.

Adopted: 8 March 2004


(SGDD.) LUIS P. LORENZO, JR.
Secretary