Customs mulls Brazil meat raps

Customs authorities may file charges against the importer of P20 million worth of frozen meat from Brazil found to be contaimated with foot and mouth disease.

Lawyer George Jereos, deputy Customs commissioner for intelligence and enforcement group, told reporters yesterday they are determining the fines and other penalties to be imposed to Schutze International Trading and Consulting Inc for bringing into the country the contraband in 11 refrigerated vans.

Collector Jaime Maglipon told The STAR yesterday the Bureau of Animal Industry has certified that the meat shipment was contaminated with foot and mouth disease.

"Besides, all meat products, fresh or frozen, from Brazil are banned," he said.

Maglipon said the Schutze International Trading and Consulting Inc. was not in the list of accredited importers of meat of the Department of Agriculture.

The other day, Customs Commissioner Renato Ampil approved the contraband’s re-exportation, which officials consider a "cheaper alternative" to destruction by burning.

"If seized banned items are finally decided to be shipped back to their country of origin, the erring consignee is made to shoulder all shipping and handling service costs, without prejudice to appropriate charges to be filed against it," he said.

Last October and November, 11 refrigerated vans containing frozen pork and chicken and consigned to Schutze International Trading and Consulting Inc. arrived at the Manila International Container Port without the necessary import authority and Veterinary Quarantine Clearances.

Customs authorities immediately issued a Warrant for Seizure and Detention against the shipment. – Jerry Botial