Some localities in Negros Oriental are currently in talks with the National Meat Inspection Service for setting up higher-grade slaughterhouses such as those with a Double A classification.

A Double A is semi-automated with operational procedures allowed to slaughter food animals for inter-municipality distribution, according to the Department of Agriculture.

Dr. Alfonso Tundag, Bureau of Animal Industry quarantine officer in Dumaguete City, said on Friday, July 5, the slaughterhouses in the province are classified only as Locally Registered Meat Establishments (LRME).

“The LRME is a facility equipped to serve only the domestic market with meat not allowed for transport outside the province,” he said.

Because of this, he said the provincial government remains very strict in accepting live hogs from other provinces, with those even from African swine fever (ASF)-free areas required to have complete documentary requirements.

Local hog suppliers have already started repopulating following a lull due to ASF cases, but it would take about six months or longer before these are ready for the market. (PNA)