Monday, July 21, 2008 Cholera-infected meat found in AC slaughterhouse By Alejandro Tampus
MEAT inspectors on duty at the Angeles City slaughterhouse discovered 110 kilos of hog meat infected of hog cholera with Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) last July 14.
The hog infection was found out during the ante-mortem inspection conducted by a team headed by Dr. Christian Arcilla.
The hog meat was turned over to Dr. Roy del Rosario for further ante-mortem examination.
Rosario found out that the hog meat had "severe labored breathing recumbent, purplish and reddish discoloration on the rump, underbelly and ears."
Arnold Señeres, officer-in-charge of slaughterhouse in the city, said the hog meat was intended to be sold in the city's public market.
He said the meat "can cause illnesses" to people who could have bought and consumed it.
For the past three months, meat inspectors have condemned nearly 900 kilos of hog meat and carcasses not fit for human consumption.
"We advised the hog raisers not to sell hog meat if did not pass ante- and post-mortem examination at the city slaughterhouse, likewise buyers or consumers should be aware of this," Señeres said.
He said that "double dead" meat can be detected through the pork skin which is reddish because blood was retained in the body and was spread all over -- compared to a freshly slaughtered hog which has white skin because of complete bleeding.
Meat coming from illegally slaughtered animals also known as "hot meat" poses risk to the health of consumers.
The condemned meat was burned by slaughterhouse officials.
The discovery of hog cholera-infected meat at the city's slaughterhouse should serve as a warning to consumers, not just in this city but also in other parts of Pampanga.
Local government officials in nearby areas like Mabalacat are urged to ensure that the meat being sold in public markets and supermarkets such as Jenra and Puregold are safe for consumption.
