LAMUT, Ifugao (PIA) - -  The Department of Agriculture-Cordillera (DA-CAR) through its  Regulatory Division Owners  recently  oriented  owner and  operators of animal feeds and veterinary drugs stores in the province on regulatory laws on livestock.

The event aimed to disseminate and enhance stricter implementation of said laws among operators and owners of animal feeds and veterinary drug establishment and handlers and transports carriers.

Lacrinas Punio of DA-CAR explained the Livestock and Poultry Feeds Act; Foods, Drugs, Devices, and Cosmetic Act and other related issuances protecting business owners and customers.

Republic Act 3720 otherwise known as "Food, Drugs, and Cosmetic Act” aims to ensure safe and good quality of food, drugs and cosmetics and to regulate their production, sale and distribution in order to protect public health.  The Food and Drug Administration was created under this law to administer and enforce regulations to ensure safety, efficacy or quality of health products.

Punio also oriented the participants on R.A 8203, an act prohibiting counterfeit drugs, providing penalties for violations and appropriating funds therefor.

She stressed that any person who desires to engage in the manufacture, importation, sale or distribution of veterinary drugs and products feed premixes and animal feeds should first be registered with the Bureau of Animal Industry.

“No veterinary drugs and products are exempted from registration especially those offered for sale,” she said.

Among the challenges raised are  the absence of DA-CAR extension offices in the municipalities, veterinary and poultry products are only add-on commodities to some sari-sari stores and there should be a bracket of payments for big and small  establishments.

After the orientation, the participants took the opportunity to apply for registration of their respective business establishments. (JDP/MBL- PIA CAR, Ifugao)