DA issues new rules for selling frozen meat
ROSALES–The days of selling frozen meat in public markets are numbered.
This was hinted by the Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG) after its officials met with Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala to discuss the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) on food safety.
Engr. Rosendo So, SINAG president whose group is composed of alliance of farmers and irrigators across the country, said the anomalous practice of selling frozen meat openly by market vendors in their stalls which poses danger on the health of consuming public was among those discussed with Department of Agriculture (DA) officials.
The IRR set to be released will finally include a requirement to display of expiry date of frozen meat and labeling to distinguish the frozen from fresh meat to avoid health risks.
“The IRR has been signed so we hope it will be implemented immediately to safeguard consumers’ health,” he said.
Displaying the frozen meat openly on the stalls especially in public markets, like most vendors do, is prohibited, he added.
So pointed out that once the temperature of the frozen meat changes, that is already not advisable (for consumption).
About 10 municipalities in Pangasinan are reportedly selling ‘hot meat,’ referring to frozen meat that are defrosted and displayed on the tables or stalls of vendors.
He said monitoring report showed delivery vans of frozen or hot meat came from Region 3.
He said the latest report of delivery of frozen meat in Pangasinan was only last week.
While the volume of the frozen meat is only about 15 percent of the total local production, So said “our concern is public safety of the consuming public”.
Sinag is batting for higher penalty for violations by removing the license of the violator, and not mere suspension to avoid repeat of the offense. (Tita Roces)
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