Public warned on buying processed meat products

DAGUPAN CITY, Philippines – The regional director of the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) advised the public yesterday to buy processed meat products, especially Christmas hams, only from accredited establishments to ensure food safety.

Eduardo Oblena made the call during a forum organized by the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas here.

Oblena said they posted a list of accredited establishments on the NMIS website to guide the buying public.

He warned buyers that some unscrupulous traders use tainted meat in making products like tocino, longanisa, ham or hotdog.

The official warned the public from buying pork from commercial farms that use excessive growth boosters for hogs.

“There should be a withdrawal period to enable the hogs to release the residues of medicine like antibiotics that was administered to them before they are slaughtered,” Oblena said.

He said the NMIS is closely monitoring the use of banned residues in commercial farms.

He said an individual could develop drug resistance by consuming continuously meat with residues of antibiotics.

Oblena said processed meat sold in the markets should be kept refrigerated.

“They should display dummies of the products for presentation to preserve the quality and safety of the actual product,” he said.