QC shuts down 'unsanitary' slaughterhouse in Cubao

The Quezon City government on Tuesday shut down a chicken slaughterhouse after finding its workers were engaged in unsanitary practices. City veterinarian Dr. Ana Maria Cabel said the slaughterhouse at Ermin Garcia Street in Cubao did not pass sanitation standards, radio dzBB reported. The report quoted Cabel as saying they found the slaughterhouse had no business permit, and some of the workers there were working half-naked (no shirts). But the workers explained they had to work that way because it was very hot inside the slaughterhouse, which was an abandoned building. Also, the report said residents are complaining of a foul smell from the slaughterhouse, a mixture of human sweat and chicken blood and feathers. Health officials have been inspecting slaughterhouses and similar facilities in Metro Manila as the holidays draw closer and demand for meat rises. The National Meat Inspection Service, for its part, is also monitoring meat in markets to look out for "botcha" or tainted meat. — LBG, GMA News