THE Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) reminded anew consumers in Negros Occidental to be extra cautious in buying meat products especially during the holidays.
Dr. Adelardo Mondia Jr., head of the Provincial Animal Diagnostic Disease Laboratory Section, said yesterday that although there are no reports of hot and double-dead meats among markets in the province, excluding Bacolod City, Negrenses are still urged to remain vigilant.
Mondia said they are not discounting the possibility that illegal slaughtering of livestock and poultry animals may occur especially during these busy days.
In Bacolod City, almost 200 kilograms of hot and double dead meat were seized in several public markets in the past weeks.
“Hot meats are those slaughtered outside an accredited facility while double dead meats are dead animals slaughtered and sold in markets,” he said, adding that “both are considered illegal meats and pose health risks to the buying public.”
PVO records showed that not all local government units (LGUs) in the province have accredited slaughterhouses. However, some cities and municipalities have designated slaughtering areas in their respective localities, it added.
Thus, aside from the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) markings, consumers can still make sure that the products they buy are of good quality and safe for consumption through its appearance and smell.
Mondia said fresh meats look brownish and pinkish. Consumers should not buy dark red and bluish-colored meats, whether chicken, pork or beef, especially those with foul odor.
PVO is closely monitoring markets in the province through city and municipal veterinary offices and market inspectors of LGUs, Mondia also said.
“We urge consumers to report presence of illegal meat products in the market for immediate and necessary action,” he said.
Prices
Meanwhile, the PVO noted an increase in the prices of meat and other poultry products this month.
Prevailing market price monitoring showed that price of carabeef significantly increased by P2 per kilogram. From P208.50 per kilo in November, it is now sold at an average price of P210.50 per kilo.
From P220.31 per kilo last month, the current price of beef is P220.63 per kilo, with an increase of P0.31.
Like beef, PVO also monitored an increase of P0.31 per kilo of pork. From P186.88 per kilo in November, it is currently sold at P187.19 per kilo.
Another significant increase of P1.25 per kilo in the price of dressed chicken was noted this month. It went up to P156.41 per kilo from only P155.16 last month.
For eggs, PVO noted increases of P0.11 to P0.16 depending on the size.
Provincial Veterinarian Renante Decena said price increases are mainly attributed to the changes in demand of these commodities, which normally move upward during the holidays.
