Probe sought on safety of imported products

MANILA, Philippines - Lawmakers have sought an investigation on the safety of products imported for local fast-food chains following reports of unhealthy practices of a poultry and meat supplier in China.

Representatives Ben Evardone of Eastern Samar and Cesar Sarmiento of Catanduanes jointly filed House Resolution 1353 to conduct the inquiry after international fast-food chains with franchises in the Philippines have stopped buying meat and poultry products from Shanghai Husi Food Co. Ltd.

They cited recent international news reports that Shanghai Husi was allegedly involved in a food safety scandal in China.

China’s Dragon TV accused Shanghai Husi’s employees of “doctoring labels to extend expiration dates on chicken and beef products” and scooping up meat that had fallen on the ground and putting them back on conveyor belts for processing.

Evardone and Sarmiento also cited a Reuters report that Yum Brands, owner of KFC and Pizza Hut in China, had severed ties with OSI, and that McDonald’s in Hong Kong had stopped selling its chicken nuggets, chicken fillets, among others, following the food scare.

“Imports of food chain companies in the Philippines must be investigated to determine whether these companies have been serving food products detrimental to the health of the people,” they said.