Philippines

Abstract

HACCP implementation started in 1994. Since then, the government has conducted a series of training on HACCP principles, concept and application, HACCP plan development, HACCP auditing and verification for fish inspectors, quarantine officers, technical personnel and industry personnel nationwide. HACCP implementation, however, is still voluntary except for fish processing establishments which export to EU and the US which have to comply with a mandatory accreditation programme for HACCP implementation. Nevertheless there is an encouraging trend of increasing number of establishments that are HACCP-certified, most of which are export-oriented establishments. From only 9 HACCP-certified establishments in 1995, to date (mid-2003), there are now 67 HACCP-certified establishments.