‘Double dead’ alert

Caloocan City Mayor Reynaldo Malonzo yesterday warned the public against buying unusually cheap pork because they could be hazardous to health.

The warning came following earlier reports that "double dead," or hot meat are being dumped in the city’s wet markets. These meat products usually come from fowl or livestock that have died from certain diseases and still sold in the markets for public consumption instead of being burned or disposed as solid waste.

Malonzo advised city residents to guard against food poisoning and potential dreaded or infectious disease, hepatitis among them, by buying only those with the sanitary seal of the National Meat Inspection Commission (NMIC). The seal certifies that the meat have undergone thorough inspection procedures and are safe for human consumption.

It was gathered that certain unscrupulous meat traders from Bulacan area supplying the city markets with the bad meat.

Reports said it was easy to identify the contraband meat as these are being sold at a ridiculously low price of P30 to a kilo while the prevailing market prices average at P140 per kilo.

Dr. Teodoro Rosales of the city sanitation office has launched a renewed campaign against the health hazard to ensure the well-being of city residents. — Jerry Botial