Authorities confiscate 'unsafe' lechon, botcha meats in Albay

As the holidays draw near, authorities have warned the public to be cautious in buying meat products.

Filipinos' all-time favorite lechon has been the target of an operation of the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) in Legazpi, Albay, as reported by Cedric Castillo on GMA's 24 Oras on Thursday.

Six whole lechons were confiscated because the livestock was not butchered in a slaughterhouse.

These were declared unsafe to eat as proper meat processing was not observed.

Meanwhile, 27 kilos of "botcha" or double-dead meat of chicken and pork were seized by the NMIS in a mall.

The meats were already discolored and foul-smelling. These have been immediately disposed by authorities.

The Department of Health (DOH) reminded the consumers to always look for the meat inspection seal for safety.

Digestion of double-dead meat may lead to poisoning, diarrhea, vomiting, and fever. — Dona Magsino/BM, GMA News