MANILA, Philippines – The Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) clarified Monday, January 26, that, so far, no apples have entered the country from the California-based Bidart Brothers, whose products were linked to an outbreak in the United States.
The country sources most of its apples from China, BPI director Paz Benavidez said in an interview.
On top of that, the BPI has conducted random testing for apple imports that arrive at the Manila ports, she said.
“We have been recalling SPS (sanitary and phytosanitary) clearance for the importation of such apples,” Benavidez said.
Earlier in January, the government recalled shipment from Bidart Brothers, following a US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory that it found strains of listeria on samples collected from the company’s processing plant in California.
The Department of Trade and Industry recalled on January 10 several imported apple products consigned by International Produce Group LLC and MB Fresh International.
Citing an FDA warning, the DTI reiterated that the products are not safe for consumption.
The United States embassy in Manila also clarified on January 23 that the recent recall of Granny Smith and Gala apples from the United States is limited to those packed by Bidart Brothers. – Rappler.com
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