Gov't simplifies licensing of meat establishments

The National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) plans to introduce new guidelines to make it easier for meat businesses like slaughterhouses, cold storage facilities and meat cutting plants to secure their licenses to operate while keeping food safety standards in place.

- By ALDEN MONZON

NMIS is inviting the public and concerned stakeholders to participate in a virtual consultation on the draft rules via Google Meet on Dee. 15.

“This consultation seeks feedback on interim guidelines to streamline the license to operate process for meat establishments, ensuring food safety and compliance,” NMIS said in its advisory.

“Stakeholders from the meat industry, government, suppliers and consumers are encouraged to participate. The guidelines aim to promote safer, more transparent meat operations,” it added.

Under the revised implementing rules and regulations of Republic Act 9296, as amended by Republic Act 10536, NMIS evaluates and classifies meat establishments through an accreditation system.