City abattoir eyes AA rating

CEBU, Philippines – Mandaue City veterinarian Dr. Nestor Taason is hoping that the city's slaughter will soon be graded AA by the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS).

Taason said this has been their target although he acknowledged that the NMIS has many requirements, like facility upgrade, a bigger structure and others, to meet its standard for a double A.

An AA standard means the slaughterhouse can sell its meat all over the country.

Since Mandaue's abattoir in Barangay Labogon was built in 2003, it has been producing meat for local (within Cebu) consumption only.

By end of November, the dog pound in the slaughterhouse premises will be moved to Barangay Basak.

Taason said Mayor Jonas Cortes decided to separate the two to keep the stray dogs from accidentally entering the slaughterhouse area.

He said this could usher in a wave of changes that can lead to the AA rating.

Meanwhile, as holiday season nears, Taason advised the public to be vigilant on the meat they purchase. This as the season is usually characterized by the public's increased meat consumption, he said.

He said they will do a regular barangay visit to educate the people on how to identify safe meat and those that they should not buy.

He also said they will be going to the markets to check if the meat products sold are safe for human consumption.

Taason said during this season,imported meat products and double-dead meat are reportedly sold to the public.

Imported meat is only allowed sold in the markets when it is contained in a freezer, while double-dead meat is totally banned, he added. (FREEMAN)