The Department of Agriculture has lifted its temporary ban on the importation of live cattle and meat products from the United Kingdom, effective 11 October. This decision follows the resolution of concerns regarding bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), commonly known as mad cow disease.
The import ban, initially imposed on 30 May, was a precautionary measure in response to reported BSE cases in the UK, aimed at safeguarding consumer health and protecting the local livestock industry. Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. signed Memorandum Order 45 after receiving official confirmation from the UK and the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) that the mad cow disease outbreak had been resolved as of 7 August 2024.
UK authorities also provided assurance of their food safety measures, which align with Philippine guidelines. Secretary Tiu Laurel emphasized that the Philippines is recognized by WOAH as having a “negligible” risk of BSE, allowing for the resumption of all in-transit and incoming shipments from the UK, contingent on verification from the UK Veterinary Authority.
