Taguig residents warned against buying 'bocha'

MANILA, Philippines - Residents of Taguig City have been warned by the city government to buy only meat and meat products from accredited slaughterhouses and distributors to avoid getting “bocha” or contaminated meat over the holidays.

Taguig Mayor Lani Cayetano said "hot meat" or “double dead” meat often appear in markets during the holiday season when there is a high demand for meat and meat products.

"The demand for meat products these coming days will be greater than usual, like the staple ham for our Noche Buena and New Year feasts. And when there is a demand, there are always people who will take advantage of the situation and will try to earn a few extra pesos at the expense of our health by selling bocha or hot meat," she said.

"We ask our citizens to be vigilant and report any case of contaminated meat products being sold within the city. We should not compromise our health in order to save money,” Cayetano added.

Cayetano also encouraged residents to report the presence of contaminated meat to the City Veterinary Office or through their respective barangay officials.

Last November 23, the City Veterinary Office met the city’s various barangay captains and meat vendors for a seminar on food safety.

The seminar "Orientation on Meat Inspection Service” was attended by 23 barangay leaders and 170 meat vendors who were all briefed on how to handle meat products.

The seminar also reminded meat vendors in Taguig to acquire and sell inspected hog meats only and warned against buying meat that did not go through inspection.

Dr. Alexis Siblag, Taguig City Veterinary Office head, said meat vendors should source their products only from accredited slaughterhouses, where meat is carefully inspected and made to pass the standards of cleanliness.

The City Veterinary Office also gave tips to these vendors on how to keep meat products fresh and safe if not sold within the day.