Agriculture officials confirmed two products from processed food company Mekeni Food Corporation tested positive for African Swine Fever .
He said initial inspection of Mekeni facilities did not reveal problems, but the FDA will continue to monitor and investigate the company for possible lapses. Agriculture Secretary William Dar said although the disease does not directly affect humans, the Food Safety Act of 2013 prohibits the use of contaminated meat in food and food processing. Violators can face up to 12 years imprisonment and a fine of up to P1 million.
“Despite this unfortunate development, we assure government that we will continue to cooperate in its ongoing investigation to determine the source of ASF,” the company said in a statement Monday.Apart from the product recall, Mekeni said it has also suspended pork-processing operations and had its facility disinfected. A third party company also examined the facility, it added.