The Philippines can resume importing processed pork products from South Korea after the Department of Agriculture (DA) lifted its ban.

The ban was lifted based on a favorable risk assessment of South Korea’s safety protocols against African Swine Fever (ASF).

In a memorandum order issued by Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. on 5 May, the DA permitted the importation of heat-treated pork products, subject to specific safety measures.

These include a Fo value of 3 or more in hermetically sealed containers or heating for at least 30 minutes at a minimum of 70 degrees Celsius.

The original ban, imposed in 2019 through DA Memorandum Order No. 26, was introduced to protect local livestock from ASF outbreaks abroad. However, the DA reversed its decision after reviewing the Import Risk Analysis (IRA) dated 8 April.

The IRA concluded that sterilized pork products from South Korea meet the World Organisation for Animal Health standards and are classified as a "safe commodity."

The analysis also cited South Korea's strong veterinary control systems and ASF management protocols, as well as the shelf stability and secure packaging of the pork products.

With the policy change in place, the availability of pork products is expected to improve nationwide, along with better agri-trade relations between the two countries.