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Adrian Kenneth Halili - The Philippine Star
April 28, 2026 | 12:00am
Based on Department Order 9, the DA said accredited exporters from Brazil are now permitted to ship fresh or chilled beef to the country following its recognition as a foot-and-mouth disease (FMD)-free country. The order also allowed exports of fats of bovine animals into the Philippines.
Pixabay / Revolu7ion93
FMD-Free status
MANILA, Philippines — Brazil, one of the Philippines’ largest meat exporters, is now allowed to ship fresh and chilled beef to the country, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA).
Based on Department Order 9, the DA said accredited exporters from Brazil are now permitted to ship fresh or chilled beef to the country following its recognition as a foot-and-mouth disease (FMD)-free country. The order also allowed exports of fats of bovine animals into the Philippines.
Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAPA) previously requested the inclusion of certain commodities to be allowed to be exported into the country, according to the DA.
“Based on DA’s review, the documentary requirements submitted by MAPA were found to be in order,” the order stated.
Meat Importers and Traders Association president emeritus Jesus Cham said an FMD-free status without vaccination also allows Brazil to export bone and offals.
“Added options to supply are always good,” he said in a Viber message.
The World Health Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), in May 2025, officially recognized that Brazil was an FMD-free country without vaccination due to its compliance with international sanitary standards.
The declaration also means that the country has eradicated the disease and stopped vaccinating cattle, as there are no more active viruses circulating in local industries.
Achieving a disease-free status could improve both international and regional trade of animals and animal products, according to the WOAH.
The international organization also said that a comprehensive disease control program could help veterinary services secure resources from their governments to facilitate the rollout of these plans.
Brazil is the Philippines’ biggest source of imported meat and meat products. Shipment of beef from the South American country has reached 13,636.22 metric tons, according to data from the Bureau of Animal Industry as of February 2026.
Brazil makes up 44 percent of all beef imports in 2025, accounting for 92,050.84 MT. BAI data showed that meat shipments from Brazil included beef cuts and choice cuts.
