BACOLOD City – There must be a “permanent and qualified” ante-mortem inspector at the city’s slaughterhouse, according to the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP).
The SP passed a resolution urging Mayor Evelio Leonardia to assign this meat inspector at the slaughterhouse in Barangay Handumanan, according to Councilor Bartolome Orola.
Orola authored the resolution that aims to “safeguard the health and well-being of the consuming public by strictly monitoring food animals for slaughter.”
He also cited Republic Act 9296, or The Meat Inspection Code of the Philippines.
Section 17 of the Act requires ante-mortem inspections at slaughterhouses in the country.
The inspectors are tasked to “seize, confiscate, condemn, or dispose of carcasses or parts thereof of food animals that is sold, transported, distributed, offered or received for distribution in commerce that has not passed the ante-mortem inspection.”
Meanwhile, City Veterinary Office head Ma. Agueda Trinidad de la Torre said there are currently 10 inspectors assigned at the slaughterhouse who are on rotation duty./PN
