50 kilos of ‘hot’ pork seized in Bacolod

BACOLOD CITY – Fifty kilos of uninspected pork were confiscated by authorities in Barangay Alijis here, the Task Force Botagoy reported Wednesday, July 20.

Dr. Maria Agueda Trinidad dela Torre, head of Task Force Botagoy, said they received a report that “hot” meat is being sold in Barangay Alijis and when they passed by the area Monday, July 18, they sighted pork for sale on the sidewalk.

Upon inspection, they learned that the pork, including its internal organs, did not undergo the proper inspection at the slaughterhouse in Barangay Handumanan here.

Dela Torre said the vendor reportedly told them that he was not aware of the inspection protocol.

The Task Force Botagoy head noted that City Ordinance 459 or the Illegal Slaughtering Ordinance of Bacolod exists and that the hot meat should be disposed.

Mayor Alfredo Abelardo “Albee” Benitez had issued an executive order reorganizing the Task Force Botagoy, which shall regulate the sale of meat, fish, vegetables, fruits, fresh dairy products, and other food for human consumption.

The task force also shall establish or regulate the construction and operation of public markets, slaughterhouses, or animal corrals; or grant a franchise to any person to establish and operate them.

The task force is composed of the City Mayor’s Office, City Veterinary Office, Committee on Markets of the City Council, National Meat Inspection Service, Philippine National Police, City Legal Office, and Public Information Office.