BAI Inspectors Check Russian Meat Producers as PH Fish Exporters Undergo Review

Dr. Castor Ejercito (3rd from right) and Dr. Glenn Reyes (4th from left), during their inspection mission, pose for a photo together with Russian officials manning a border checkpoint in Belgorod.

31 January 2018 MOSCOW – Philippine veterinary inspectors from the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) of the Department of Agriculture (DA) concluded their initial round of inspections of Russian meat producers for possible export to the Philippines on 27 January. The visit of the BAI team was made simultaneously with the inspection of Philippine fisheries and seafood exporters by Russia’s Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance (Rosselkhoznadzor).

Dr. Castor Ejercito, Head of Veterinary Quarantine for Region XII led the Philippine delegation. He was accompanied by Dr. Glenn Reyes of the National Veterinary Quarantine Services Division.

The week-long visit saw the BAI inspectors travel to various areas in the Greater Moscow Region, Bryansk and Belgorod near the border with Ukraine to review various beef, pork and poultry facilities as well as government testing laboratories and veterinary inspection checkpoints. Access was granted to the team for the assessment of production, processing and transportation standards of Russian meat products.

During a meeting with Embassy officials before their return to the Philippines, Dr. Ejercito said, “The officials from Rosselkhozandzor were very supportive and they even allowed us additional access when we requested it. I am confident that our colleagues in the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) also took good care of our Russian counterparts who visited the Philippines.” 

“We are very pleased that after years of laying the groundwork, both sides have now conducted initial inspections,” Amb. Carlos D. Sorreta said. “It will take a lot more work but the Philippines and Russia remain committed to increasing bilateral trade in agricultural products,” he added. END

For more information, visit www.moscowpe.dfa.gov.ph.

Dr. Castor Ejercito (left) of the Bureau of Animal Industry during a courtesy call on Amb. Carlos D. Sorreta at the Philippine Embassy in Moscow on 21 January 2018.