The Department of Science and Technology-Industrial Technology and Development Institute (DOST-ITDI) was credited by Food Analysis Performance Assessment Scheme (FAPAS) of the United Kingdom with a distinction in the global competency test for canned meat.
The Chemistry Laboratory of the Standards and Testing Division of the DOST-ITDI received a Very Satisfactory Performance rating in the international proficiency testing (PT) on the analysis of nutritional components of canned meat (heat treated can). DOST-ITDI joined 45 laboratories from different countries worldwide in the FAPAS PT scheme which ran from July 19 to August 30, 2024.
FAPAS, a world renowned accredited PT provider, supports the food and water testing industries since 1990. Its Food Chemistry programme is accredited by UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service) as set by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and is certified as compliant to ISO/IEC 17043:2010 which specifies general requirements for the competence of PT providers.
DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr. in a comment said that, “Unknown to the ordinary Pinoy meat lovers, a Government of Canada report ranked the Philippines as the 18th largest global retail sales market for processed meat with sales of US$1.9 billion in 2021. Shelf stable meat or canned meat had retail value sales of US$453 million also in 2021. This is a good opportunity for local producers to partner with DOST-ITDI and upgrade their products with a globally recognized seal of approval.”
DOST-ITDI Director Dr. Annabelle V. Briones added that “As you know, the Philippines’ canned meat market encompasses various products beyond ham. It includes canned luncheon meat, corned beef, and vienna sausages. A public health scare of a global scale cemented this preference for canned meat.”
Referring to the COVID 19 pandemic, she noted how certain issues dictated lifestyle alternatives including a heightened emphasis on food security and prolonged shelf life. “In fact, some food processing projects of ITDI focused on how to secure and sustain the raw materials for some of the industry’s food manufacturing chain,” said Dr. Briones.
She explained that “This shift in consumption patterns prompted manufacturers to innovate and diversify their offerings, catering to evolving tastes and preferences. These changes now make canned meat testing vital as a health security measure.”
Further, while sources say that fresh meat is preferred by many, canned meat offers convenience, long shelf life, and accessibility, making it popular for certain alternative lifestyles.
Euan O’Sullivan, President and CEO of the LGC Standards, another PT provider, asserts that “Customer expectations that canned meat products are both authentic and free from original, fraudulent, or accidental contamination means that manufacturing processes should be highly regulated.”
As a result, official control laboratories like that at DOST-ITDI must not only be accredited to ISO/IEC 17025, the international standard for testing and calibration laboratories, it should as well participate in international proficiency testing, Sullivan concluded.
With this current distinction received by DOST-ITDI, local gastronomes would be able to safely enjoy a cosmopolitan cuisine that incorporates fresh and canned meat in soups, meat pies, one dish meals, or casseroles.
