HOT MEAT. Meat inspectors from the Tarlac City Veterinary Office confiscate "hot meat" weighing some 40 kilos at the RUA Market on Tuesday (June 20, 2023). The operation was part of the city government's intensified crackdown against the proliferation of “double dead” meat products that did not pass the government’s inspection standards. (Photo courtesy of the City Government of Tarlac)
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga – At least 40 kilograms of “hot meat” were confiscated at the RUA Market in Tarlac City on Tuesday.
This was the result of the post-meat establishment control and monitoring conducted by the Tarlac City Government, through the City Veterinary Office, to ensure that meat being sold at the market is safe for consumption.
Mayor Cristy Angeles said they want to ensure public health and safety by not allowing the selling of "botcha", or double dead meat.
“Layunin ng aktibidad na ipatupad ang Republic Act No. 9296 o ang Meat Inspection Code of the Philippines na titiyak sa ligtas at malinis na karne na mabibili sa merkado (The activity aims to implement Republic Act No. 9296 or the Meat Inspection Code of the Philippines to ensure that safe and clean meat are being sold in the market),” Angeles said in an interview.
The operating team saw vendors selling meat that is already spoiled, thus unsafe for human consumption. Others were found mixing fresh meat with the “botcha” to take advantage of unsuspecting customers.
Aside from the confiscation of the hot meat, a notice of violation was issued to vendors found selling spoiled meat to serve as a warning.
“Ang muling lalabag ay maaaring masampahan ng kaso ng violation sa ilalim ng probisyon ng Meat Inspection Code of the Philippines (Those vendors who will violate anew will face charges under the provision of the Meat Inspection Code of the Philippines),” the mayor said.
Meanwhile, the seized “hot meat" was disposed of in a condemned pit located in the city’s slaughterhouse.
She urged consumers to be vigilant and to check the condition of the meat they are buying to ensure the safety of their families.
The mayor likewise advised the public to always look for the meat inspection certificates of the stall owners.
“Palaging hanapin ang Meat Inspection Certificate na patunay na dumaan sa hygienic handling ang produktong karneng ibinebanta sa pamilihan ayon sa probisyon ng batas (Always look for the Meat Inspection Certificate as a proof that the meat being sold in the market underwent hygienic handling),” she added. (PNA)
