Wednesday, October 18, 2006 NMIS raises need to package meat to control importation
PACKAGING meat and meat products in the same way as imported items will help control the increase in meat importation in Central Visayas, an official of the National Meat Inspection Services (NMIS) 7 said.
“NMIS 7 is working on a project called ‘pork in a box’ where our local meat produce is packed like imported (products) and will be sold to consumers,” said meat import and export section chief Dr. Alvin Leal.
Leal said hog raisers in other countries process and packaged their meat products before exporting or distributing these to local consumers.
He said Mindanao hog raisers have adopted the new technology and distribute the meat to Pampanga for processing.
Facility
But the procedure is not implemented in Central Visayas yet, he said.
“There was a move by different animal raisers and big meat processors in the region to put up a facility similar to the one in Mindanao but it did not prosper,” he told Sun.Star Cebu.
Although the region has many hog raisers, there are no processors who are willing to invest in the facilities, he said.
“But because this is a national campaign, we are hoping that sooner they will come to realize its benefits,” he said.
In the meantime, local processors are relying on meat importation and some local supplies.
According to Leal, the “pork in a box” project will benefit consumers in terms of ensuring the quality of meat and meat produce.
“Apart from its nice packaging, the labels guarantee that it had undergone thorough meat inspection, plus it also includes an instructional guide on how to handle meat properly,” he said.
He said, though, that packaging the meat and meat produce will increase prices but “not that much.”
He said the project would also enable local hog raisers to export meat.
“It will be ready for export when it is triple A accredited and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Plan certified,” he said.
Leal also said consumers should make meat the last item they will buy from supermarkets or wet markets.
“If you buy the meat after (other grocery items) you are preserving its quality,” he said. (MMM)
