Meat stakeholders required to attend hygiene seminar

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City Government is requiring all meat industry stakeholders to attend a seminar on hygienic meat handling as part of its intensified campaign to safeguard food safety and public health.

The Department of Veterinary Medicine and Fisheries (DVMF) announced that the mandatory session will be held on October 20, 2026, from 8:30 A.M. to 11 A.M. at the DMDP Training Room, Ramos Public Market Building in Cogon Ramos.

The seminar is directed at meat handlers, butchers, stall holders, shop owners, dealers, suppliers, processors, lechon vendors, and other individuals engaged in the trade.

DVMF OIC-Department Head Dr. Jessica Maribojoc emphasized that attendance is compulsory, urging participants to arrive on time and actively engage in the discussions.

The program will cover hygienic practices in meat handling, sanitation standards, and compliance with inspection regulations to ensure that meat products sold in Cebu City markets are safe and fit for consumption.

The initiative is part of the city’s continuing efforts to strengthen food safety measures and promote responsible practices among those in the meat industry.

This upcoming seminar follows similar activities conducted earlier this month for upland barangays Toong, Pamutan, and Buhisan, where local meat handlers were trained on hygienic practices from slaughter to selling, proper storage, personal hygiene, and sanitation.

Those sessions highlighted the importance of preventing contamination and protecting consumers by adhering to established inspection standards.

The DVMF has also been active in conducting information campaigns on hygienic meat handling and African Swine Fever prevention, underscoring the city’s broader commitment to food safety and public health.

For inquiries, stakeholders may contact the DVMF at the Cebu City Quarantine Center, M. Logarta Avenue, via telephone numbers (032) 401-0418/401-0419 or mobile number 0977-8297135. — (FREEMAN)