Talisay abattoir passes nat’l check

CEBU, Philippines – Talisay City's modern slaughterhouse has again earned a double-A standard from the National Meat Inspection Service.

By obtaining the passing grade, products from the said slaughterhouse can be distributed for consumption all over the country.

However, the city government was advised to further improve its slaughterhouse facilities even if it has passed the inspection.

NMIS-7 Consumer Protection Division Chief Dr. Alvin Leal said the city government was able to sustain its AA accreditation after they found that the slaughterhouse was able to pass the standards.

The judging committee, composed of members from the Department of Health, Department of Interior and Local Government, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and NMIS, praised Talisay City's slaughterhouse for its good manufacturing practices and its state-of-the-art equipment that keep the facility clean.

Personnel from NMIS-7 conducted the annual inspection last April.

During the inspection, the inspector found out some problems within the facility that need to be addressed, such as fixing their cattle line, which needs supporting facilities by providing quarters and equipment for their quarters and saws for eviscerating the carcasses.

"Dili sad moving ang ilang cattle line, mao nang dili kaayo maproseso dayon sa pagkatay sa mga baka," Leal said, adding that the city government must institute additional policies in the slaughterhouse, especially on allowing third-party meat handlers to slaughter their own cattle.

Leal also said rather than allow city personnel handle the slaughtering, third-party meat handlers were allowed to enter the abattoir, which is disadvantageous because it may cause contamination with third-party personnel not trained to handle the meat properly.