Echiverri to vendors: Stop selling unsafe meat

Caloocan City Mayor Enrico “Recom” Echiverri warned unscrupulous individuals yesterday to stop selling illegally slaughtered or double-dead meat or face the full force of the law.

He issued the warning after the City Veterinary Office (CVO), presented its list of accomplishments in line with its mandate to provide residents with safe meat and advocate responsible pet ownership.

According to Echiverri, the CVO confiscated more than 600 kilos of “hot” meat in raids and surprise inspections, and charges have been filed against those behind the sale of unsafe meat.

In order to guarantee that only safe meat is sold in the city’s public markets, Echiverri directed the CVO to conduct an intensified 24-hour monitoring of marketplaces and slaughterhouses.

Meanwhile, the CVO reported through City Veterinarian Dr. Teodoro Rosales that its task force against illegally-slaughtered animals collected some P1.5 million in dues and taxes on 88,799 slaughtered animals.

Rosales said they also apprehended a businessman allegedly engaged in slaughtering domestic cats and processing their meat for selling.

He said the businessman is now facing charges for violating Republic Act 8485 or cruelty against animals.

Echiverri advised residents to purchase meat from only credible sources, with corresponding meat inspection certificates approved by the CVO.

He said the sad reality is that consumers often opt for cheaper meat without considering if it is disease-free and  fit for consumption.