4 tons of mishandled meat seized in Cavite

Authorities seized 4 tons of mishandled meat at a wet market in Dasmariñas, Cavite early Wednesday.

In a "24 Oras" report from James Augustin, several boxes from a parked refrigerated van were inspected by the joint forces of the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) and the Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP CIDG).

Authorities found that the van’s freezer was not working, and the meat they were transporting had gone soft. They were also able to find frozen meat that had become rotten.

“‘Yung box po kasi talaga 'yung karton madali lang talaga masira. Pero tingnan n'yo 'yung ano namin, matitigas po 'yan kahit hawakan n'yo po 'yang pige na 'yan,” said one of the vendors of the frozen meat.

(The cardboard box itself is really fragile and easily damaged. But look at it — it’s very firm, just try to press on it.)

The vendor admitted that the refrigerator of the van is working, but that it was turned off.

NMIS Region 4A Director Eduardo Oblena said the mishandled meat could also be considered “hot meat”.

“The standard maintaining temperature of our frozen meat is minus 18 degrees centigrade,” Oblena said.

Authorities also seized frozen meat that was on display and not stored in a freezer or chiller. They ended up confiscating 4 tons of hot meat. Those caught selling the mishandled meat were issued a confiscation report.

The confiscated meat was then brought to a disposal facility.

Oblena warned the public of the adverse effects of hot meat, explaining that side effects included stomachaches, headaches, vomiting, and defecating. Those who consume the mishandled meat could be hospitalized, he added. — Jean Mangaluz/BAP, GMA News