Vet to seize imported meat from sellers without freezers

CEBU, Philippines - The Talisay City Veterinary Office has warned it will seize imported meat products from stores that do not have freezers at the public market in barangay Lagtang.

The warning came after receiving information that at least four meat vendors are engaged in selling imported meat cuts but without freezers.

It is not illegal to sell imported meat products, but last year, the Department of Agriculture issued Administrative Order No. 22 which provides the rules in the handling of frozen and chilled meat and meat products in the market.

Under this policy, meat cuts must be transported in a vehicle that has refrigeration facilities with a maximum temperature of 4 degrees Celsius.            

These should also be kept in a refrigerated area while still in the market, Hortel said.

Meat vendors could not however keep their imported meat in a freezer as the stalls in the meat section do not have electrical outlets.

They appealed to the city government to put this additional device.

But that may not be possible as of the moment, according to assistant city engineer Gamaliel Vicente, since it is not included in the approved layout of the market building. - THE FREEMAN