Philippines-Meat import bans and regulations.

PHILIPPINES-MEAT IMPORT RESTRICTIONS.

MANILA , Philippines -The country’s largest business organization calls on the government to be "very strict" in giving clearance to pork and pork products imported from countries affected with the H1N1 virus.

In a statement, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) said pork consumption is safe as long as is well cooked and not illegally imported from affected countries.

"PCCI backs WHO’s (World Health Organization) call to refer to the virus as (H1N1) and not ’swine flu’ as this affects the swine or hog industry not only in the country, but worldwide," it said.

In a joint statement issued last week, the WHO, Food and Agriculture Organization, World Trade Organization and World Organization for Animal Health said there is no evidence that the influenza virus is transmitted by food. They also stressed pork and pork products handled with good hygienic practices will not be a source of infection.

The PCCI also supports the Department of Health in preparing for the full implementation of the National Pandemic and Response Plan to prevent the H1N1 virus outbreak in the country.

"The PCCI is encouraging the public to take necessary precautions to avoid acquiring the especially now that the World Health Organization has reported 21 countries, including Asian neighbors like South Korea and Hong Kong, to have 1,085 cases of H1N1 virus infection," it said. -Ruby Anne M. Rubio, GMANews.TV