• CHRYSEE G. SAMILLANO
An ordinance mandating strict compliance of all poultry dressing plants and poultry processing plants to city, national, and environmental regulations, was passed by the Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod on first reading Wednesday.
Authored by Councilor Wilson Gamboa Jr., the ordinance said poultry plants and poultry processing plants play a vital role in the city’s food supply chain, but also pose potential risks to public health, environmental safety, and sanitation if not regulated properly.
Under the Sanitation Code of the Philippines (P.D. 856), food establishments are required to secure proper permits, maintain hygienic standards, and comply with food safety regulations, it said.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) mandates proper waste management, efficient treatment, and pollution control in compliance with R.A. No. 9275 (Philippine Clean Water Act) and other environmental laws, the ordinance said.
The City Government of Bacolod has the mandate under the Local Government Code of 1991 (R.A. No. 7160) to regulate and license business establishments and to protect public health and safety, it said.
The ordinance to be known as the “Poultry Dressing and Processing Plant Compliance Ordinance of Bacolod City” provides that it will be unlawful for any poultry or dressing plant to operate without the required permits and clearances enumerated in Section 3 of the ordinance, or to violate the requirements under Section 4.
Any owner, operator, or responsible officer found in violation of this ordinance will be penalized as follows: first offense – a fine of P50,000 and issuance of notice of violation with a compliance period of 15 days; second offense – a fine of P500,000 and suspension of operation until all requirements are complied with; and third offense – a fine of P1,500,000 and revocation of business permit, with permanent closure of the facility.*
