The inclusion of the sardine species tamban in the international food standards body eases trade barriers and boosts the country’s fisheries sector, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA). The Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) officially included tamban (Sardinella lemuru) in the Codex Standard for Canned Sardines and Sardine-Type Products or CXS 94-1981, which the agency said resolved the long-standing export challenges, particularly to major markets like Europe. “This landmark event eliminates trade barriers, enhances global market access, and elevates the country’s position in the sardine industry,” the DA said in a statement.

Pelonia, A. (2025, February 10). Tamban in Codex seen boosting PHL sardines export. BusinessMirror, p. A5.