The Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) has officially recognized Sardinella lemuru, locally known as tamban, under the Codex Standard for Canned Sardines and Sardine-Type Products, allowing the Philippines to access major export markets like Europe.
This development removes trade barriers and strengthens the country’s position in the global sardine industry.
Previously, the misidentification of Sardinella lemuru led to its exclusion from European product standards, causing shipment rejections and lost export opportunities.
To resolve this, the National Fisheries Research and Development Institute lobbied for its inclusion, submitting a proposal to Codex in 2020.
After thorough evaluation and strong support, the proposal was finally adopted, securing better market access for Philippine sardines.
Source: PhilNews24 | February 9, 2025
