DA: Check meat quality before buying
The Department of Agriculture 6 is reminding the public to check the quality of meat they are buying for the holidays.
DA said that “double-dead” meat could abound in public meat markets if left unchecked, especially when consumers are in a hurry to buy for the holiday celebrations. Chicken and pork products could be mixed with old supplies, it warned.
The DA also noted the increasing importation of meat by local vendors. It reminds the buyers to be wary of local meat mixed with imported meat.
Earlier, DA issued a set of guidelines for meat sellers and suppliers on how to handle chilled and frozen meat. The guideline was enforced last December 15.
The DA through the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) has also required importers of meat to be fully accredited and licensed by the local government units (LGUs).
DA 6 Regional Director Larry Nacionales also reminds LGUs to step up policies and regulate the entry of mishandled meat in their own level. He added that the guideline is only set by the DA, but it’s the LGUs’ full responsibility to protect consumers by enforcing the law.
Nacionales said that LGUs should help, through their respective veterinary offices, inspect their wet markets and make sure only good meat will be sold.
He said that DA has noted the increasing rate of meat buying in the region every December, but still there is enough meat for the holiday season.*PNA
