MANILA, Philippines — Agricultural and health officials have on Monday, 04 November 2019, confirmed that samples of Mekeni Food Corp skinless longganisa and hotdog products have tested positive for African Swine Fever.

Mekeni Food Corp’s processed meat samples tested positive for ASF, Agricultural and Health officials said in a press conference.

The Department of Agriculture explained in a statement that a “set of longganisa and picnic hotdog samples tested positive for ASF based on an October 25 test” conducted by the Regional Animal Disease Diagnostics Laboratory in Central Luzon and validated by two (2) tests conducted by the Veterinary Laboratory Division of the Bureau of Animal Industry (DA-BAI-VLD).

“With these developments, the DA and the Department of Health through the Food and Drug Administration (DOH-FDA) have agreed to disclose jointly said test results, and name the manufacturer, which is Mekeni Food Corporation,” the statement said.

News of ASF-contaminated processed meat spread after a Manila passenger brought home-made and branded processed meat to Occidental Mindoro’s Calapan Port on Oct. 6, Agriculture Department

Asec. Noel Reyes told DZMM earlier.

Even before the test results were released, Mekeni Food Corp voluntarily recalled pork products on Oct. 26.

The Department of Health said it would continue to monitor all meat products.

However, it reminded the public that ASF “is not a human health concern.” (Marian Andrei Sinamban/IAMIGO/CNS)