MANILA, May 5 -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Monday lifted an import ban it imposed six years ago on heat-treated processed pork products from South Korea due to the spread of African swine fever (ASF).

Based on DA Memorandum Order No. 23 issued by Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., the entry of the Korean pork products will be allowed, provided it has undergone a process of "high-level" heat treatment.

This covers products under Fo, which refers to the equivalent minutes of sterilization at 121.1 degrees Celsius, value of 3, or heating at a minimum of 70 degrees Celsius for 30 minutes.

"With this policy shift, more pork products are anticipated to be available to consumers in the Philippines. It may also indicate a potentia...