To update on food safety guidelines, the Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) conducted an orientation for importers and representatives from cold/dry storage warehouses on July 13, 2022, held in Cagayan de Oro City.

Spearheaded by the Plant Product Safety Services Division (PPSSD) – Food Safety Unit – CdeO and National Plant Quarantine Services Division (NPQSD) of the Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) in collaboration with the Regulatory Division of the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10), the orientation was done to inform Food Business Operators (FBOs) on food safety requirements and updates of the newly approved BPI guidelines.

Said activity is in line with the Food Safety Act of 2013 or Republic Act No. 10611 which aims to strengthen the food safety regulatory system in the country as well as facilitate market access of local food and food products.

PPSSD-CdeO Chief William F. Mugot highlighted the importance of food safety as everyone’s business, noting that everyone has a role in ensuring safe food for consumers’ health and consumption. # (AMBManto)