2 private abattoirs in city closed for lack of permits

CEBU, Philippines - At least two private abattoirs in Cebu City were ordered closed temporarily until their operators can comply with business and sanitary permits and settle fines amounting to at least P160,000.

 The Cebu City Treasurer’s Office issued the demand letters to two facilities in Barangays Labangon and Banilad for non-compliance with several requirements early this month. The owners of the facilities have until the end of the month to comply.

 Department of Veterinary Medicine and Fisheries chief Dr. Pilar Romero said the abattoirs have accumulated fines of P80,000 each for not paying regulatory fees and taxes.

Romero said they also failed to secure business permits for this year and update their sanitary permits, in violation of City Ordinance 2189 or the Meat for Public Consumption Regulatory Ordinance.

 “Dili pwede mag-operate if wala’y permits especially sanitary permit. Ipasirado gyod na nato. Mao na they should be careful,” she said.

 She said abattoirs, lechonan, poultry dressing plants, among others, must comply with the minimum sanitary and structural standards required by DVMF as separate compliance from business permit.

 Section 7 of CO 2187 stated that “periodic evaluation shall be conducted on facilities and sanitary status. Failure to maintain minimum sanitary and structural standards shall cause the cancellation of accreditation after due notice and sufficient period to effect required changes.” —(FREEMAN)