Several tourists and local travelers have reportedly been unable to bring home Cebu’s famous chorizo due to missing FDA documentation and proper product labeling, leading to confiscation and disposal at airport and seaport checkpoints.
The issue has prompted Cebu City officials to urge chorizo makers at the iconic Tabo-an Public Market to comply with national food safety standards.
The market, a major tourist destination, is renowned for its local delicacies, with Cebu chorizo among the most sought-after.
Under Food and Drug Administration (FDA) rules, all food manufacturers, including small-scale and home-based producers, must secure a License to Operate (LTO) and Certificate of Product Registration (CPR) to ensure product safety.
Non-compliance can result in confiscation, fines, or business restrictions.
Cebu City Councilor Harold Kendrick Go, author of a recently passed resolution, stressed the urgency of compliance.
“Supporting chorizo makers in securing the necessary FDA permits will not only protect consumers but also safeguard the reputation of Cebu’s local products and enhance tourism and economic development,” he said.
The resolution calls on Tabo-an Market vendors to begin obtaining LTOs and CPRs and seeks assistance from the City Health Department, Cebu City Department of Veterinary Medicine and Fisheries, City Market Administrator, Cebu Market Vendors Development Cooperative, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and the Veterinary Quarantine Service of the Bureau of Animal Industry VII.
Copies of the resolution have been distributed to Mayor Nestor Archival and other relevant agencies for enforcement.
Travelers are advised to check product labeling and documentation before purchasing Cebu chorizo to avoid confiscation, while vendors are encouraged to complete FDA requirements promptly to protect their business and Cebu’s culinary reputation. (LLP)
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