-
The Department of Agriculture accredited 34 Indian companies to supply frozen buffalo meat, known locally as carabeef
-
Of the 34, 13 will not be immediately allowed to export carabeef to the Philippines as their operations are based in three Indian states with foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks
The Department of Agriculture accredited 34 Indian companies to supply frozen buffalo meat, known locally as carabeef.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr. in a statement said the move broadens sourcing options for Philippine food processors and potentially lowers costs for Filipino consumers, particularly for products like corned beef.
“We do not intend to increase imports. What we want is to encourage more foreign companies to compete for our market, which will ultimately drive down the cost of imported agricultural products, benefiting consumers,” he explained.
The accredited exporters include six initially approved in 2019 and have recently sought to renew their accreditation. The new accreditation is valid for three years, expiring on December 12, 2027.
While all 34 Indian exporters had met the necessary requirements, 13 will not be immediately allowed to export carabeef to the Philippines, as their operations are based in three Indian states—Maharashtra, Telangana, and Bihar—where active Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreaks have been reported, Laurel said.
The ban on the three Indian states is contained in Memorandum Order No. 59 signed by Laurel on December 17, 2024, and meant to prevent the entry of FMD-susceptible animals and protect the local livestock population. The ban remains in effect until India’s National Competent Authority declares the states free from FMD.
No exemptions will be granted for heat-treated products since the accreditation pertains specifically to the trade in frozen carabeef. Laurel said he would reconsider the decision if India has a method of boiling carabeef to address FMD concerns—similar to the process Pakistan uses for buffalo meat it exports to China. “If they can do that, I will allow it,” he said.
DA said the accreditation follows a thorough verification process, including an inspection mission by the Bureau of Animal Industry and the National Meat Inspection Service. The audit assessed India’s compliance with the Philippines’ animal health and food safety standards.
The BAI team reviewed animal health protocols in seven Indian states—Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Maharashtra, Telangana, and Bihar. During the inspection, active FMD cases were found in the last three states.
Meanwhile, the NMIS team confirmed all 34 companies seeking accreditation met international food safety standards, including Good Manufacturing Practices and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points.
The DA’s decision to approve increased carabeef imports in 2020 was aimed at supporting local meat processors, who rely on affordable carabeef to produce low-cost corned beef. Currently, the Philippines imports approximately 40% of its carabeef needs, as domestic production cannot fully meet market demand.
