Nearly 4 tons of meat seized

CEBU, Philippines —  Nearly four tons of mishandled meat products were confiscated during a joint inspection conducted by the National Meat Inspection Service-Regional Technical Operation Center VII (NMIS-RTOC 7) in coordination with the Lapu-Lapu City government.

"Mishandled meat" refers to meat that has been processed, stored, or prepared in a way that violates proper food safety and hygiene procedures, leading to potential contamination and rendering it unsafe for human consumption.

The Lapu-Lapu City Public Information Office (PIO) said the NMIS operation was carried out with the City Veterinary Office and supported by the Regional Maritime Police Unit 7 on Thursday (October 30).

Confiscated were 2,900 kilograms of whole dressed chicken and 1,023 kilograms of by-products sourced from Naga City, along with 173 kilograms of hog carcass and 114 kilograms of pig offal from a local wholesaler.

Examples of pig offal are the animal organs (liver, heart, kidney, lungs); extremities and other parts (trotters or feet, head, tongue, snout, intestines); and blood and stomach (tripe).

According to Dr. Jasper James Jumadiao, regional senior meat control officer, and Alain Tarona, leader of the NMIS-RTOC 7 Enforcement Team, the inspectors discovered that the meat transport van used had an expired registration sticker and a malfunctioning cooling system, which violated Republic Act 10536, amending the Meat Inspection Code of the Philippines (RA 9296).

Authorities also noted another infraction when meat and poultry products were co-mingled inside the same van — a practice strictly prohibited under Department of Agriculture (DA) Administrative Order No. 5, Series of 2012, due to the risk of cross-contamination.

The NMIS-RTOC 7 reported that the vehicle owner had repeatedly violated regulations despite warnings in the past.

In a separate operation, 17.75 kilograms of imported pork meat, about to be displayed in a public market stall, were also confiscated.

Lapu-Lapu City Veterinarian Dr. Janice Togonon reminded meat vendors to secure and display their Meat Inspection Certificates (MIC) to ensure that products they are selling have been cleared by the City Abattoir Office.

She also urged operators of meat transport vans to register with the NMIS to avoid penalties.

Togonon proposed the establishment of an incinerator for the proper disposal of animal waste and an on-site cold storage facility at the city’s public market to help preserve meat products while generating income for the city.

Mayor Ma. Cynthia “Cindi” King-Chan, for her part, encouraged the public to be vigilant when buying meat, especially during the holiday season, to ensure food safety and quality.

She also suggested that the City Traffic Management System help monitor meat transport vehicles to ensure compliance with NMIS registration rules.

All confiscated meat and poultry products were immediately disposed of at the Material Recovery Facility (MRF) in Barangay Bankal, with assistance from the City Veterinary Office and the Maritime Police. (CEBU NEWS)