DA-10 leads a virtual organization meeting to bare the programs and activities of the FSRAs for the current year to stabilize the food safety regulatory system.

 

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To stabilize the food safety regulatory system throughout Northern Mindanao, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) through the Regulatory Division led a Virtual Organizational Meeting of the Regional Food Safety Committee at the agency compound on March 18.

The meeting tackled the responsibilities and activities of the Food Safety Regulatory Agencies (FSRA) for 2022 relative to the implementing rules and regulations of Republic Act No. 10611, otherwise known as the Food Safety Act of 2013.

The Corn, Livestock, High Value Crops Development, and other programs presented their respective activities for the current year and on how they can contribute to food safety regionwide.

Under said Act, the following agencies comprise the FSRA: Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) for food derived from animals, including eggs and honey production; National Dairy Authority (NDA) for milk production and postharvest handling; and National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) for meats.

Also, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) for fresh fish and other seafood, including those grown by aquaculture; Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) for plant foods; Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) for pesticides and fertilizers used in plant and animal food production; Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) for fresh coconut; and Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) for sugarcane production and marketing.

DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations, Carmelita T. Bajarla, urged the team to ensure food safety and nutrition while ensuring that food items should always be affordable and available for farmers and consumers.

She added that the final output will be the consolidated regional committee activity plan, baring the proposed activities prior to the endorsement by DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado and for approval of the agriculture secretary.#(MPTablon)