Piñol tightens watch on all food imports

Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol stood pat on his decision to cancel all importation permits for meat and plant products despite warnings by several importers that the order will jack up prices during the holidays.

Piñol said he will sign an order requiring all food imports, including staple grains like wheat, rice and corn, subjected to mandatory cargo inspection and clearance procedures before undergoing assessment by Customs personnel.