Measures have been intensified at a number of ports in the Philippines by the Bureau of Plant Industry after being alerted of contaminated Granny apples making an entry from the US.
According to the Manila Standard Today, the apples were contaminated with Listerosis bacteria and the bureau has since alerted all ports of entry in the Philippines to closely monitor its imports.
The US Food and Drugs Administration said exposure to the bacteria might cause Listeriosis, a rare but serious illness that could cause death. It can also cause flu-like symptoms and meningitis.
Paz Benavidez II, Director of the Bureau of Plant Industry, said: “Our office is verifying the issued sanitary and phyto-sanitary import clearance if such importation is already in the country.”
