PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD PNS/BAFS 339:2022

Prepackaged Fresh Chilled and Fresh Frozen Meat — ICS 67.120

Product Standard — Labeling

PHILIPPINE
NATIONAL PNS/BAFS 339:2022
ICS 67.120
STANDARD

Prepackaged Fresh Chilled and Fresh Frozen

Meat — Product Standard — Labeling

BUREAU OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES STANDARDS

BPI Compound Visayas Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City 1101 Philippines
Trunkline: (632) 928-8741 to 64 loc. 3301-3319
E-mail: info.dabafs@gmail.com
Website: www.bafs.da.gov.ph
 PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD PNS/BAFS 339:2022
Prepackaged Fresh Chilled and Fresh Frozen Meat ICS 67.120
— Product Standard — Labeling

Foreword

In 2021, the National Meat Inspection Service of the Department of Agriculture (NMIS-
DA) submitted a proposal to the Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards
(BAFS)-DA develop a Philippine National Standard (PNS) on the minimum labeling
requirements for fresh chilled and fresh frozen meats. The proposed standard aims to
provide clear guidance on the minimum requirements for date markings of fresh chilled
and fresh frozen meats, following the challenges in the implementation of DA
Administrative Order (AO) No. 26 series of 2005 (Revised rules, regulations, and
standards governing the importation of meat and meat products into the Philippines)
and DA AO No. 24, series of 2010 (General guidelines on labeling of meat and meat
products). In the same year, the BAFS-DA assessed the proposal of NMIS-DA based
on a prioritization criteria for standards development. Based on the results of the
assessment, the DA-BAFS commenced the development of a PNS for the labeling
requirements for fresh chilled and fresh frozen meat in 2022.

A Technical Working Group (TWG) was established through Special Order No. 103,
series of 2022 (Creation of TWG for the development of PNS for agriculture and fishery
products, machineries, and infrastructures). The TWG was composed of
representatives from relevant DA agencies, academe, and Civil Society Organization
(CSO). The draft PNS underwent a series of TWG meetings and stakeholder
consultations conducted physically and via online platforms before its endorsement to
the DA Secretary for approval.

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PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD PNS/BAFS 339:2022
Prepackaged Fresh Chilled and Fresh Frozen Meat — ICS 67.120
Product Standard — Labeling

1 Scope

This Standard applies to the labeling of prepackaged fresh chilled and fresh
frozen meat intended for trade, commerce, and further processing or
fabrication. This Standard does not apply to unpackaged meat, meat fabricated
and packaged on the premises from where it is sold directly to consumers, and
institutional buyers requiring portion-controlled packaging.

2 Normative References

The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or
all their contents constitute the requirements of this document. The latest
edition of the referenced documents (including any amendments) applies.

An act to strengthen the food safety regulatory system in the country to

protect consumer health and facilitate market access of local foods and
food products, and for other purposes, Republic Act No. 10611. (2013).
https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2013/08/23/republic-act-no-10611/

Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (BAFS)-Department of

Agriculture (DA). (2015). Code of Hygienic Practice (COHP) for meat
(Philippine National Standard [PNS]/BAFS 168:2015).
http://www.bafs.da.gov.ph/bafs_admin/admin_page/pns_file/2021-02-24-
PNSBAFS168-2015COHPforMeat.pdf

BAFS-DA. (2018). Beef primal cuts (PNS/BAFS 83:2018).

http://www.bafs.da.gov.ph/bafs_admin/admin_page/pns_file/PNS%20BAF
S%2083_2018%20(1).pdf

BAFS-DA. (2018). Pork cuts (PNS/BAFS 41;2018).

http://www.bafs.da.gov.ph/bafs_admin/admin_page/pns_file/PNS%20BAF
S%2041_2018.pdf

BAFS-DA. (2019). Chicken cuts (PNS/BAFS 285:2019).

http://www.bafs.da.gov.ph/bafs_admin/admin_page/pns_file/2021-02-26-
PNS%20BAFS%20285%202019%20Chicken%20Cuts.pdf

Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC). (2018). General standard for the

labeling of prepackaged foods (CXS 1/1985, rev. 2018).
https://www.fao.org/fao-who-codexalimentarius/sh-
proxy/es/?lnk=1&url=https%253A%252F%252Fworkspace.fao.org%252Fs
ites%252Fcodex%252FStandards%252FCXS%2B1-
1985%252FCXS_001e.pdf

DA-Department of Health (DOH). (2015). The Implementing Rules and

Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (RA) No. 10611, “An act to strengthen
the food safety regulatory system in the country to protect consumer

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PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD PNS/BAFS 339:2022
Prepackaged Fresh Chilled and Fresh Frozen Meat — ICS 67.120
Product Standard — Labeling

health and facilitate market access of local foods and food products, and
for other purposes” otherwise known as the “The Food Safety Act of
2013”. https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2015/02/20/implementing-rules-
and-regulations-of-republic-act-no-10611/

National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS)-Department of Agriculture (DA).

(2010). General guidelines on labeling of meat and meat products
(Administrative Order [AO] No. 24, series 2010).
http://spsissuances.da.gov.ph/index.php/laws/10-sps-
regulations/administrative-order/209-nmis-administrative-order-24-2010

3 Terms and Definitions

For the purpose of this Standard, the following terms and definitions apply:

3.1
best before date
best quality before date
date which signifies the end of the period, under any stated storage conditions,
during which the unopened product will remain fully marketable and will retain
any specific qualities for which implied or express claims have been made.
However, beyond the date the food may still be acceptable for consumption
(CAC,2018)

3.2
date of packaging/production
date on which the meat is chilled or frozen and placed in the immediate
container in which it will be ultimately sold. This is not an indication of the
durability of the product (CAC, 2018, modified)

3.3
fresh chilled meat
meat derived from newly slaughtered food animal, the temperature of which is
brought down to a product internal temperature of 0°C to 4°C during primary
processing (BAFS-DA,2021, modified)

3.4
fresh frozen meat
meat derived from newly slaughtered food animal properly chilled and brought
down to a product internal temperature of -18°C or lower (BAFS-DA, 2021,
modified)

3.5
institutional buyer
company or organization that purchases in bulk quantities of food

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PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD PNS/BAFS 339:2022
Prepackaged Fresh Chilled and Fresh Frozen Meat — ICS 67.120
Product Standard — Labeling

3.6
label
display of written, printed or graphic matter upon the immediate container, tag,
literature or other suitable material affixed thereto for the purpose of giving
information as to identify components, ingredients, attributes, directions for use,
specifications and such other information as may be required by law or
regulations (Food Safety Act of 2013, 2013)

3.7
labeling
includes any written, printed or graphic matter that is present on the label,
accompanies the food, or is displayed near food, including for the purpose of
promoting its sale or disposal (DA-DOH, 2015)

3.8
lot identification code
combination of letters or numbers by which the history of the slaughter, cutting,
packaging, and distribution of the product is determined (NMIS-DA, 2010)

3.9
meat
edible part of the carcass including edible offal derived from food animals
(BAFS-DA, 2015)

3.10
prepackaged
packaged or made up in advance in a container, ready for offer to the consumer,
or for catering purposes (CAC, 2018)

3.11
principal display panel
part of the label which either through design or general use, is presented or
shown to the consumer under customary conditions of display for retail sale
(NMIS-DA, 2010)

3.12
use-by date
expiration date
date which signifies the end of the period under stated conditions, after which
the product should be sold or consumed due to safety and quality reasons
(CAC, 2018)

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PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD PNS/BAFS 339:2022
Prepackaged Fresh Chilled and Fresh Frozen Meat — ICS 67.120
Product Standard — Labeling

4 General Principles on Labeling for Prepacked Fresh Chilled and Fresh

Frozen Meat

4.1 Prepackaged fresh chilled or fresh frozen meat shall not be described or
presented on any label or in any labeling in a manner that is false, misleading,
deceptive or is likely to create an erroneous impression regarding the product
(CAC, 2018).

4.2 Prepackaged fresh chilled or fresh frozen meat shall not be described or
presented by words, pictorial or other devices which are suggestive either
directly or indirectly, of any other product with which such meat might be
confused, or in such a manner as to lead the purchaser or consumer to suppose
that the meat is connected with such other product (NMIS-DA, 2010).

4.3 Statement on mandatory information shall be clear, prominent, indelible, and

readily legible by the consumer under normal conditions of purchase and use
(CAC, 2018).

4.4 Labels of prepackaged fresh chilled or fresh frozen meat shall carry the
necessary information about the product (NMIS-DA, 2010). Where a wrapper
covers the container, the wrapper shall carry the necessary information.
Otherwise, the label on the container should be readily legible through the outer
wrapper or not obscured by it (CAC, 2018).

4.5 Labels of prepackaged fresh chilled or fresh frozen meat shall be applied in
such a manner that they should not become separated from the container
(CAC, 2018).

4.6 Labels shall be in English or Filipino language or in combination when the

product is intended for domestic consumption. Multi-language label is
acceptable provided that it has an English translation (NMIS-DA, 2010).

4.7 Supplemental label with the mandatory information in the required language
may be used instead of relabeling if the original label is not acceptable to the
intended consumer (CAC, 2018).

4.8 For both supplemental labeling or relabeling, the mandatory information

provided shall fully and accurately reflect that in the original label (CAC, 2018;
NMIS-DA, 2010).

5 Parts of the Label

5.1 The two main parts of the label are: (1) the principal display panel and (2)
information panel.

5.2 The principal display panel shall include the name of the meat product and net
quantity. They should appear in the same field of vision (Codex, 2018; NMIS-
DA, 2010).

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PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD PNS/BAFS 339:2022
Prepackaged Fresh Chilled and Fresh Frozen Meat — ICS 67.120
Product Standard — Labeling

5.3 The information panel shall include the name and address of the establishment,
packer or distributor, date of packaging/production, best before date/best
quality before date or use-by/expiration date, lot identification code, and storage
instructions.

5.4 A sample label for prepackaged fresh chilled meat is shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1. Example of label for prepackaged fresh chilled meat

5.5 If the meat will undergo transformation from chilled to frozen state, an additional
label shall be applied to the primary packaging to include the following
information:
a) storage instructions (e.g., keep frozen);
b) freezing date;
c) license number of the freezing facility; and
d) best before date/best quality before date.

5.7 A sample label for prepackaged fresh frozen meat is shown in Figure 2.

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PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD PNS/BAFS 339:2022
Prepackaged Fresh Chilled and Fresh Frozen Meat — ICS 67.120
Product Standard — Labeling

Figure 2. Example of label for prepackaged fresh frozen meat

6 Mandatory Labeling of Prepackaged Fresh Chilled and Fresh Frozen Meat

The following information shall appear on the labels of prepackaged fresh

chilled and fresh frozen meat from meat establishments accredited by a
competent authority consistent with Section 4 (Mandatory labelling of
prepackaged foods) of CXS 1-1985 (General standard for the labelling of
prepackaged foods):

6.1 Name of the product

The following may be adopted in naming the meat product:

6.1.1 Based on the name established in PNS/BAFS 285:2019 (Chicken cuts),

PNS/BAFS 41;2018 (Pork cuts), and PNS/BAFS 83:2018 (Beef primal cuts);

6.1.2 Common or usual name or an appropriate description thereof of the product

such as chilled pork loin (NMIS-DA, 2010); and

6.1.3 Coined or fanciful name, provided that the name is not misleading (NMIS-DA,
2010).

6.2 Net content

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 PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD PNS/BAFS 339:2022
Prepackaged Fresh Chilled and Fresh Frozen Meat — ICS 67.120
Product Standard — Labeling

The net weight shall be indicated in the container or packaging of the meat in
terms of weight or numerical count rounded off to at least the nearest tenths in
the metric or English system (CAC, 2018).

6.3 Name and address, meat establishment, packer/distributor, and country

of origin

6.3.1 The name of the meat establishment and license number of the
slaughterhouse, cutting plant, or packer/distributor of the meat shall appear as
the name of the packer/distributor (NMIS-DA, 2010);

6.3.2 If the product is repacked under license from a principal, it shall be stated in the
label (NMIS-DA, 2010);

6.3.3 If the meat is not slaughtered by the meat establishment whose name appears
on the label, the name shall be qualified by "Packed for" or a similar expression.
Otherwise, the name of the distributor of the meat should be shown with the
phrase such as "Prepared for" (NMIS-DA, 2010); and

6.3.4 The official place of business of the slaughterhouse, cutting plant, packer, or
distributor shall be shown on the label as the official business address. In case
of a meat establishment with several plants, the main business office shall be
used. However, marking or code name corresponding to the particular plant
where the meat was slaughtered/cut/packed shall be indicated on the label
(NMIS-DA, 2010).

6.4 Lot identification code

The lot identification code shall be embossed or otherwise permanently marked

on immediate individual packages or containers. Lot identification code may
take the form of, but not limited to, number combinations, barcodes, QR codes,
or any other technical codes adopted by the industry. The lot identification code
shall be separated from the use-by/expiration date (NMIS-DA, 2010) or best
before date/best quality before date.

6.5 Date marking and storage instructions

6.5.1 Date of packaging/production

The date of packaging shall be embossed or otherwise permanently marked on

immediate individual packages or containers. The day, month, and year shall
be declared in uncoded numerical sequence except that the month should be
indicated by letters or have a legend as reference (e.g., mm/dd/yy) so as not to
confuse the consumer (e.g., 01JAN2022) (NMIS-DA, 2010).

6.5.2 Use-by date or expiration date for fresh chilled meat

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 PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD PNS/BAFS 339:2022
Prepackaged Fresh Chilled and Fresh Frozen Meat — ICS 67.120
Product Standard — Labeling

The day, month, and year shall be declared in uncoded numerical sequence
except that the month shall be indicated by letters or have a legend as reference
(e.g., mm/dd/yy) so as not to confuse the consumer (e.g., 01JAN2022) (CAC,
2018). The use-by/expiration date should be determined by the meat
establishment based on their shelf-life study.

6.5.3 Best before date or best quality before date for fresh frozen meat

The day, month, and year shall be declared in uncoded numerical sequence
except that the month shall be indicated by letters or have a legend as reference
(e.g., mm/dd/yy) so as not to confuse the consumer (e.g., 01JAN2022) (CAC,
2018). The best before date/best quality before date should be determined by
the meat establishment based on their shelf-life study.

6.5.4 Storage instructions

Fresh meat packed in chilled or frozen state shall bear the labeling statement
"KEEP CHILLED/FROZEN". Otherwise the label shall state the temperature for
which the refrigeration or freezer facility shall be set and all other instructions
necessary to maintain the safety, freshness, and quality of the product (NMIS-
DA, 2010).

7 Optional Labeling

7.1. Any information or pictorial device written, printed or graphic matter may be
displayed in the labeling of prepackaged fresh chilled and fresh frozen meat
provided that it is not in conflict with the mandatory requirements of this
Standard and those in relation to claims and deceptive practices indicated in
Section 4 of this Standard (CAC, 2018).

7.2 If grading of meats are used, they shall be readily understandable and not be
misleading or deceptive in any way (CAC, 2018; NMIS-DA, 2010).

7.3 Claim, symbol or recognized logo on religious preparation such as halal or

kosher may be used. The competent authority should give certification for such
claim (NMIS-DA, 2010).

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 PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD PNS/BAFS 339:2022
Prepackaged Fresh Chilled and Fresh Frozen Meat — ICS 67.120
Product Standard — Labeling

Bibliography

An act to strengthen the food safety regulatory system in the country to protect
consumer health and facilitate market access of local foods and food products,
and for other purposes, Republic Act No. 10611. (2013).
https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2013/08/23/republic-act-no-10611/

Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (BAFS)-Department of Agriculture

(DA). (2015). Code of Hygienic Practice (COHP) for meat (Philippine National
Standard [PNS]/BAFS 168:2015).
http://www.bafs.da.gov.ph/bafs_admin/admin_page/pns_file/2021-02-24-
PNSBAFS168-2015COHPforMeat.pdf

Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (BAFS)-Department of Agriculture

(DA). (2018).Beef primal cuts (PNS/BAFS 83:2018).
http://www.bafs.da.gov.ph/bafs_admin/admin_page/pns_file/PNS%20BAFS%2
083_2018%20(1).pdf

Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (BAFS)-Department of Agriculture

(DA). (2018).Pork cuts (PNS/BAFS 41;2018).
http://www.bafs.da.gov.ph/bafs_admin/admin_page/pns_file/PNS%20BAFS%2
041_2018.pdf

Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (BAFS)-Department of Agriculture

(DA).(2019).Chicken cuts (PNS/BAFS 285:2019).
http://www.bafs.da.gov.ph/bafs_admin/admin_page/pns_file/2021-02-26-
PNS%20BAFS%20285%202019%20Chicken%20Cuts.pdf

Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC). (2018). General standard for the labeling of
prepackaged foods (CXS 1/1985, rev. 2018). https://www.fao.org/fao-who-
codexalimentarius/sh-
proxy/es/?lnk=1&url=https%253A%252F%252Fworkspace.fao.org%252Fsites
%252Fcodex%252FStandards%252FCXS%2B1-1985%252FCXS_001e.pdf

Department of Agriculture (DA)-Department of Health (DOH).(2015).The

Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (RA) No. 10611,
“An act to strengthen the food safety regulatory system in the country to protect
consumer health and facilitate market access of local foods and food products,
and for other purposes” otherwise known as the “The Food Safety Act of 2013”.
https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2015/02/20/implementing-rules-and-
regulations-of-republic-act-no-10611/

National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS)-Department of Agriculture (DA). (2010).

General guidelines on labeling of meat and meat products (Administrative
Order [AO] No. 24, series 2010).
http://spsissuances.da.gov.ph/index.php/laws/10-sps-
regulations/administrative-order/209-nmis-administrative-order-24-2010

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PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD PNS/BAFS 339:2022
Prepackaged Fresh Chilled and Fresh Frozen Meat — ICS 67.120
Product Standard — Labeling

National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS)-Department of Agriculture (DA). (2012).

Rules and regulations on hygienic handling of chilled, frozen and thawed meat
in meat markets (Administrative Order No. 6, series 2012).
https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2012/01/12/da-administrative-order-no-6-s-
2012/

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PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD PNS/BAFS 339:2022
Prepackaged Fresh Chilled and Fresh Frozen Meat — ICS 67.120
Product Standard — Labeling

Department of Agriculture (DA)

Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (BAFS)

Technical Working Group (TWG) for the Philippine National Standard (PNS) on
Prepackaged Fresh Chilled and Fresh Frozen Meat — Product Standard —
Labeling

Chairperson
Mago, Emmanuel, DVM
Cavite State University (CvSU)

Vice Chairpersons
Almira, Arnel
Meat Importers and Traders Association (MITA)

Members

1 Jacob, Christian Renz 9 Alvarez, Cherry, DVM, MS

2 Manuel Jr., Eduardo Jose, DVM CvSU
3 Regala, Bibian
Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI)– 10 Abanto, Oliver, PhD
DA 11 Bueno, Cristy, PhD
12 Malinao-Albaladejo, Blessy Hanna,
4 Cayad-an, Cheryl Rose, DVM MSc
5 Manalo, Roseller, DVM University of the Philippines Los
6 Nones-Magcalas, January, DVM Baños (UPLB)
7 Sebello, Armie Mariel, DVM
8 Villareal, Maria Elaine Joy, DVM 13 Baldonado, Willie
National Meat Inspection Service 14 Kawpeng, David
(NMIS)–DA MITA

BAFS Management Team Adviser

Roscom, Karen Kristine, PhD Mamaril, Vivencio, PhD
Hernandez, Gari Pellinor, DVM DA-BAFS
Reyes, Aljon

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PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD PNS/BAFS 339:2022
Prepackaged Fresh Chilled and Fresh Frozen Meat ICS 67.120
— Product Standard — Labeling

BUREAU OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES STANDARDS

BPI Compound Visayas Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City 1101 Philippines
T/ (632) 928-8741 to 64 loc. 3301-3319
E-mail: bafs@da.gov.ph
Website: www.bafs.da.gov.ph

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