BFAR lifts ban on sale of imported pink salmon, pompano
IMPORTED pink salmon, pompano, and other imported frozen fish will still be sold in public markets beyond December 4.
This was learned after the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) ordered a moratorium on its operations in wet markets regarding diverted imported pink salmon, pompano, and other imported frozen fish products.
The moratorium was issued as a response to the recommendations from fisheries stakeholders, and some lawmakers deferred the implementation of its earlier order that public markets will only be allowed to sell imported salmon, pompano, and other imported fish products until Dec. 4, 2022.
BFAR said they will revisit the regulations and policies governing the importation of fresh, chilled or frozen fish and fishery/aquatic products, particularly the Fisheries Administrative Order No. 195 series of 1999, which authorizes the importation of these products for canning and processing, and trade to institutional buyers.
BFAR stressed that it remains “committed” to carrying out its mandate to ensure food security and food sufficiency, especially since the Christmas season is fast approaching while strengthening the implementation of fishery laws and other necessary regulations.
