The City Veterinary Office of Cagayan de Oro seized 265 kilos of mishandled dressed chicken meat from a stall at Cogon Public Market.

Personnel of the Cagayan de Oro City Veterinary Office conducted a routine inspection in the wet market section when they found a stall selling mishandled chicken meat.

The owner reportedly failed to present a meat inspection certificate, prompting authorities to confiscate the meat.

Authorities said the meat had a foul odor and slimy texture, making it unfit for human consumption.

“Naa’y usa ka meat stall nga nag-display og baho ug slimy nga chicken. Pamatuod nga niagi ni siya sa dressing plant so possible pud ni nga hot meat kay wala man siya’y meat inspection certificate,” City Veterinarian, Dr. Helen Ann Tacandong, said.

The seized meat products were brought to a disposal area in Barangay Pagatpat.

The City Veterinary Office stressed that selling unsafe meat not only endangers public health but also violates the Meat Inspection Code of the Philippines (RA 9296).

An investigation into the source of the meat is ongoing.

Consumers are reminded to check the quality of the meat and buy only from stalls displaying a valid meat inspection certificate.

“Gamiton g’yud nato atong mga senses sa pagpamalit dili ta mag dali-dali lang atong simhuton, atong gunitan ang karne,” Tacandong added.

The public is also urged to report hot meat sellers to authorities.

Meat vendors are also reminded to secure a valid meat inspection certificate and practice proper handling and storage of meat products.