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The Department of Agriculture has lifted a temporary ban on importing processed pork products from South Korea, following a comprehensive risk assessment and scientific validation of safety protocols of South Korea against African Swine Fever (ASF).
The decision, outlined in Memorandum Order No. 23 issued by Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr., permits entry of pork items subjected to high-level heat treatment—either an Fo value of 3 or more in hermetically sealed containers, or heating for 30 minutes at a minimum of 70 degrees Celsius.
The original restriction, imposed in 2019 under DA Memorandum Order No. 26, aimed to shield local livestock from ASF amid outbreaks abroad.
However, the DA has reconsidered its stance following the findings of the recent Import Risk Analysis (IRA) dated April 8, 2025. The analysis concluded that sterilized pork products from South Korea intended for export meet World Organisation for Animal Health standards and are deemed a “safe commodity.”
The IRA highlighted South Korea’s robust veterinary oversight and ASF control systems, and noted the shelf-stability and secured packaging of the imported products. With these assurances, sterilized pork products from South Korea are permitted for import in accordance with existing Philippine regulations.
With this policy shift, more pork products are anticipated to be available to consumers in the Philippines. It may also indicate a potential thaw in agri-trade relations between the two countries.
May 5, 2025/ Department of Agriculture/ The Philippines.
https://www.da.gov.ph
