The National Meat Inspection Service Region 11(NMIS 11) has confiscated almost half a million worth of hot meat, including undocumented and mishandled meats, during the third quarter of the year.
NMIS11 acting regional technical director Myrna Habacon said that the confiscated meats were already distributed in the different markets in the region when seized.
Habacon said that they were able to confiscate 90 to 100 kilograms (kg) of undocumented and mishandled pork meat in Agdao Public Market and Bankerohan Public Market during the period months.
NMIS was also able to confiscate 700kg of meat in the Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS).
Habacon said that these meats did not have a Meat and Meat Products Inspection Certificate (MMPIC), a violation against Republic Act No. 9296, or the “The Meat Inspection Code of the Philippines”.
“We are confiscating it because it would post hazards to our consumers,” Habacon said.
She added, “We cannot assure that these undocumented and mishandled meats are coming from legitimate meat establishments.”
In November, NMIS confiscated 55 kg of imported pork meat in Lupon, Davao Oriental, and 90kg of pork meat in Bangkerohan Public Market.
Habacon said that suppliers from both areas do not have proper documents.
As for December, she said that there are no recorded violations, but they are continuously monitoring both public markets and grocery stores, in coordination with the City Veterinary Office, to ensure that no “double-dead” meats would be sold to the consumers.
Habacon then reminded the public to double-check the meats before buying it.
“Make sure that the meats should be bright red, and not too pale. Also if it is too much slimy, then do not buy it,” Habacon said.
She said suspicious meats should be reported immediately to the Consumer Arbitration Officer, designated by NMIS to all public markets.
