The Philippine fisheries sector achieved a major milestone as the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) officially included Sardinella lemuru (Bali sardinella or Tamban) in the Codex Standard for Canned Sardines and Sardine-Type Products (CXS 94-1981), resolving long-standing export challenges, particularly to major markets like Europe.
Announced by the National Codex Organization (NCO) of the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Health-Food and Drug Administration (DOH-FDA), and finalized during the 47th CAC Session on November 25-30, 2024, this landmark event eliminates trade barriers, enhances global market access, and elevates the country’s position in the sardine industry.
In 2013, researchers discovered that Sardinella lemuru had often been misidentified as another sardine species, creating confusion. This issue became significant in 2016 and 2017 when European Union (EU) authorities rejected shipments of Philippine canned sardines because Sardinella lemuru was not listed in their product standards. The EU’s strict requirements for sardine species led to missed export opportunities, costing the Philippine sardine industry valuable market access.
To overcome the challenge of exporting canned sardines from the Philippines, the DA-National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (NFRDI) implemented series of projects aimed at including S. lemuru in the authorized list of sardine-type species suitable for producing sardine and sardine-type products.
Hence, in 2020, the Philippines submitted a proposal to the Codex Secretariat for the inclusion of Sardinella lemuru in the Codex Standard. During the 43rd CAC session, the Codex Committee on Fish and Fishery Products (CCFFP) was reactivated to review the proposal, with Norway recommending the Philippines lead the Electronic Working Group (EWG) to establish scientific evidence. The proposal received broad support and underwent extensive technical and sensory evaluation.
After years of research and rigorous review, the amendment was adopted on November 27, 2024, officially adding Sardinella lemuru to Section 2.1 of CXS 94-1981. This inclusion aligns Philippine sardine products with global standards, ensuring compliance with EU regulations and opening new export markets for local products.
The addition of Sardinella lemuru in the Codex Standard highlights the Philippines’ commitment to innovation, quality, and global competitiveness. This significant move strengthens the country’s reputation as a trusted supplier of premium sardine products, solidifying its role as a key player in the international seafood market. ### (Dr. Ulysses Montojo, Chair, National Codex Organization-Technical Committee and Ira Cruz, DA-AFID)
