Capitol steps up meat inspection

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Mary Rose Vincoy said her office is intensifying its meat inspection in the markets throughout Cebu to prevent the sale of double-dead meat this Christmas.

Vincoy assured the public meat inspection is also intensified in the abattoirs in every town and city in the province to prevent double-dead meat from penetrating the market.

Double-dead meat can be determined by its texture, color and especially the smell.

Vincoy said this is not safe to eat as people do not know the reason behind the death of the animal.

Vincoy advised that meat shoppers should buy pork or chicken from stall owners that they know in meat shops or wet markets.

She added that it is also important to cook the meat properly.

To ensure the province’s supply of clean meat, the provincial government will conduct a three-day training to upgrade its meat inspection services.

Vincoy said meat inspectors from all over the province will meet today for a three-day training on hygienic and slaughtering practices.

She said they will also tackle on how to inspect and monitor the possible entry of hot/dead meat in Cebu’s wet markets.

She said the inspectors have already undergone rigid 21-day training on basic meat inspection training course certified by the National Meat Inspection Services (NMIS) of the Department of Agriculture.

“During those 21 days, kabalo na sila sa basic symptoms nga ang karne niagi og sakit, fit for consumption, or dili. They are aware when i-condemn and declare double dead ang meat,” she said.

The province has 168 meat inspectors, including the ones from the cities of Lapu-Lapu and Cebu.

There are 27 slaughterhouses in the province and the government-run slaughterhouse in Talisay City is the lone “double A” facility here.  The “double A” rating means that the meat coming from the facility may be sold in any parts of the country.

She said the national government has recently required all other meat processing establishments to secure permits and license to operate from the NMIS. (FREEMAN)