Public warned vs ‘hot meat’ in Caloocan

Caloocan City Mayor Enrico Echiverri has issued a warning to the public and ordered a more intensified drive against "hot meat" following reports of illegal sale and distribution of illegal meat products by unscrupulous traders in Metro Manila.

The mayor also told city residents to watch out for "double dead" meat and meat products that did not go through inspection of the City Veterinary Office (CVO) as this could pose as health hazard.

He also ordered Dr. Teodoro Rosales, city veterinarian, to ensure that the meat being sold in the city’s wet markets are safe for public consumption.

Rosales reported to Echiverri that his office seized on July 15 some 10 kilos of imported frozen chicken illegally being sold at a market in Bagong Silang. The meat was found to be decomposing and declared unfit for consumption.

The mayor also advised the people to be extra careful in buying their supply and patronize only vendors certified by the CVO.

Rosales said his office is also conducting an information campaign in the barangays to educate the public, including giving tips on determining and selecting good quality meat.

The official said that meats from the local slaughterhouse pass CVO inspection and are marked "Inspected and Passed." He added that certified vendors are holders of the Meat Inspection Certificate.

Imported meat products should have a Veterinary Quarantine Certificate and an International Meat Inspection Certificate to be considered legal, he said.

Echiverri also advised the public not to buy chicken and meat products from China since they were likely illegally brought to the country.

The mayor has also ordered the CVO to strictly implement the posting of certificates in a conspicuous place in their stalls. — Jerry Botial, Pete Laude