200 kilos of 'botcha' meat seized in Manila market

Authorities seized early Saturday morning 200 kilos of double dead meat or "botcha" in Manila, according to a report on Balitanghali.

The suspect however eluded authorities.

Following a tip, a team from the Veterinary Inspection Board went to Recto Ilaya in Manila before 2 a.m. 

The meat was to be sold at 50 percent off the usual market price.

Dr. Jose Fajardo of the Manila Veterinary Inspection Board warned those selling double dead meat that they stand to face jail time and a fine once caught.

"Gumagawa ng may-ari, ng mga may kasalanang ganyan ay may kulong na 6 months to 12 years... Ang kanilang babayaran diyan ay from P100,000 to P1 million," he said.

Eating double dead meat is harmful to one's health as it may cause food poisoning, diarrhea, vomiting, fever, or flu.

To detect if meat is double dead or not, Fajardo advised consumers to inspect it for hair and blood. 

"Ang iba usually ay hindi po man din nabalahibohan. Ang ribs nito may mga certain portion na may mga blood—which means to say that the animal has not been properly bled, which causes the smell ng baboy," he said.

The Department of Health also advised consumers to look for the meat inspection seal in meat products.

Nicanor Santos, Jr., leader of the inspection team, warned vendors of double dead meat to stop their selling activity.

"Sa mga nagtitinda ng karne, tigilan na po nila 'yung ganitong klase. Hindi po kami titigil. Gagabi-gabihin namin kahit mapuyat kami ang paghuhuli ng mga negosyanteng nagtitinda ng ganitong klaseng karne," he said. —KG, GMA News