ABOUT 175 kilograms of “hot meat” were seized in a joint operation by operatives of Task Force Botagoy and the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) at Purok Active, Barangay Mandalagan in Bacolod City Thursday afternoon, July 18.

Executive Assistant Ernie Pineda, cluster head on markets, said the “hot meat” was confiscated from the stall of Arnold Binabon, a resident of the said barangay.

Pineda said the confiscated meat did not undergo inspection at the city’s AVM Bernardo slaughterhouse at Barangay Handumanan.

“The vendor failed to present inspection certificates,” he added.

The Task Force Botagoy and NMIS were assisted by personnel of Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) in arresting the violators.

Pineda said the confiscated meat was turned over to the NMIS for its proper disposition.

“We received complaints that several vendors were selling meat with no certification from the city’s slaughterhouse,” he said.

Pineda urged the consumers to check the meat inspection certificate before buying the product to ensure that it is safe for consumption.

The task force, he said, is intensifying its operation, especially among public markets.

Vendors who refused to use the services of the slaughterhouse run by the city government will be arrested.