Meat establishments told: Improve or face closure

CEBU, Philippines — The Department of Veterinary Medicine and Fisheries (DVMF) has issued a stern warning to meat establishments: improve your services and facilities or face closure.

The city boasts its own meat inspection service system, the first in the Visayas to be certified by the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS).

This system was established in compliance with Executive Order 137, which devolves certain NMIS powers and functions to local government units.

Consequently, local registered meat establishments (LRMEs) are required to upgrade their services.

Out of the 19 privately-operated meat establishments in the city, 17 are classified as LRMEs regulated by the city, while two others hold double (AA) accreditation, allowing them to process meat products for nationwide distribution.

Dr. Jessica Maribojoc, the assistant head of DVMF, stated that their goal is to certify the remaining 17 LRMEs as Single A accredited abattoirs to ensure the meat they sell meets quality standards.

“Kung mahimo lagi that in regards to hygienic slaughtering practices, ma-upgrade na sila into Single A (abattoirs). Not only the hygienic slaughtering, of course included diha ang physical structure,” Dr.Maribojoc said via the city’s Sugboanon channel.

These 17 LRMEs have already submitted their intent to upgrade their facilities and services to NMIS as part of the Single A accreditation process.

A recent audit conducted by NMIS and DVMF revealed that some of these establishments need to improve their physical structures, while others must enhance their operational setups.

City veterinarian Dr. Alice Utlang emphasized that these deficiencies must be addressed for the establishments to continue operating in the city. She also mentioned plans to recommend closure orders to the mayor for any LRMEs that fail to upgrade their services, putting their certification at risk.

LRMEs who fail to upgrade their services, or their certification will be jeopardized.

“Yes, mo-recommend gyud kay ma withdraw man atong certification. Kay once certified nata, no LRME naman allowed,” Dr. Utlang said.