Public warned against unsafe meat

CEBU, Philippines – With nine days left before Christmas, the Talisay City government has warned the public against buying uninspected meat.

Councilor Danilo Caballero, chairman of the City Council committee on market and slaughterhouse, said he would sponsor a resolution asking Mayor Johnny De los Reyes to strictly implement and monitor the rules on hygienic handling of meat being sold in the markets.

Under Republic Act 10536 or the National Meat Inspection Code, those who fail to comply with the inspection requirements will be fined from P50,000 to P1million or imprisoned from six years to 12 years, or both at the discretion of the court.

Caballero said the city government already created the Talisay City Meat Task Force, which will convene twice a month.

"Despite the passage of the good measure, the members of the Oversight and Technical Working Committees giving life to the Talisay City Meat Task Force remain unconvened, which hampers the effective development of slaughterhouse," Caballero said.

Section 6, Article 4 of the 2nd SP Ordinance Number 2005-17 states that the "City Mayor, who is in charge of the management, supervision, operation, maintenance and sanitations of the Talisay City Slaughterhouse, shall formulate, adopt and implement specific rules and regulations to ensure efficiency , effectiveness order and viable operations. "

Recently, the National Meat Inspection Service has launched the Oplan Pasko Na Naman 2014 to intensify the campaign against those who take advantage of the holidays selling double-dead or unsafe meat.

"It is viable to request the Honorable City Mayor Johnny V. de los Reyes to lead the implementation of DA Administrative Order Number 5 and 6, series of 2014, and support the NMIS in implementing the OPLAN PASKO NA NAMAN 2014, within its territorial jurisdiction," Caballero said in his proposed resolution.

The City Council will convene today for its regular session. — /LPM