Department of Agriculture Inspectorate and Enforcement Team agents on Monday seized almost 0.4 tons of ‘mishandled’ meat, consisting of pork and innards, at a public market in eastern Rizal.
The meat, estimated to be worth at least P100,000, was found stored on the floor in unsanitary carton boxes.
The confiscated meat was later buried in an empty lot in Taytay, Rizal.
Dennis Solomon of the DA Inspectorate team said the agency received information from consumers that mishandled meat was being sold in the Taytay Public Market, prompting the team to launch the operation.
“We were able to confirm the reports of mishandled meat being sold. We saw the meat was on the floor… we know how dirty the floors are. The NMIS saw there were violations so they confiscated it,” he said.
Mishandled meat, Solomon said, poses a health hazard to people who would consume the meat.
“It might already be contaminated with dangerous pathogens and bacteria, which may cause illness to people,” he added.
The owner of the stall is being investigated and a notice of violation has also been issued to the unnamed owner.
The municipal agriculturist of Taytay said they are fully supportive of the food safety initiatives of the DA.
Dr. Ramsen Andres, Municipal Agriculturist of Taytay, reminded consumers to be more meticulous in purchasing meat.
“First of all, we can do what we call organoleptic exam, so we can touch, smell and inspect the meat. Just by the smell of the meat, we can tell if there’s something wrong with it,” Andres said.
The Department of Agriculture has launched a series of investigations and operations against smuggled and mishandled meat as part of its initiative in ensuring food safety.
