By Kenneth Marcos 
In crowded streets and quiet villages alike, Filipinos often ask: “Is the meat on our plates safe?” This question took center stage this week as the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) launched its 32nd Meat Safety Consciousness Week along with the 53rd anniversary of the agency.
At the NMIS grounds in Quezon City, visitors flagged down booths, asked questions, and looked for seals and stamps—symbols that meat sold had undergone inspection and safety checks. The event ran from October 13 to 17, 2025. Pwersa Balita
“Our goal is simple: safe and affordable meat for every Filipino,” said NMIS Executive Director Jocelyn Salvador during the opening. The week-long fair featured discounted meat products from over 20 exhibitors, educational exhibits, cooking demonstrations, and free seminars on how meat travels from the farm to the table. Pwersa Balita
Why the focus on meat safety matters
Meat remains a key part of the Filipino diet, but it’s also one of the costlier food items and a source of food poisoning if mishandled. In recent years, outbreaks like African Swine Fever (ASF) have also raised concerns about disease in livestock and meat products. Senate of the Philippines+1
NMIS reminds consumers: always buy meat from accredited sellers bearing the official inspection seal. Check for valid certificates, avoid meat sold far from the market cold chain, and inspect meat for odd smell, sliminess, or discoloration. Philippine Information Agency+1
Meat vendors and processors, on the other hand, must follow strict guidelines for handling, storage, and transport. Seminars to train delivery personnel on hygiene and temperature control are now required in some regions. Philippine Information Agency
Partnerships and modernization push
The week also served as a reminder for NMIS to continue its push toward modernization. The agency has launched initiatives like digital traceability systems and an online accreditation portal to strengthen food safety governance. Agriculture Portal+1
Senators and agriculture stakeholders have also weighed in. During past celebrations, calls were made for increased funding, interagency collaboration, and improved systems to help Filipino meat producers compete with imported products. Senate of the Philippines
A shared responsibility
Meat safety is not just the work of regulators. As Agriculture Secretary William Dar once said, “Food safety, particularly meat safety, is a shared responsibility.” Agriculture Portal
From farmers and butchers to transporters, sellers, and consumers—each link in the chain must play its part. The NMIS fair reminds us that every Filipino deserves meat that is safe, inspected, and trustworthy.
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