CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Pampanga Gov. Lilia Pineda led a dialogue with meat suppliers, raisers and slaughterhouse operators in different municipalities of the province here Wednesday in a bid to improve meat processing and handling procedures.
Pineda said the move is part of the Provincial Government's task of ensuring that only safe meat reaches the local markets for local consumption.
The move is also part of the efforts to modernize and reform slaughterhouses in a bid to address worries on poor sanitation practices and in keeping with standards.
The dialogue featured talks with Executive Director Francisco Buencamino of the Philippine Association of Meat Processors Inc. who discussed the best practices in meat processing and handling in coordination with the standards set by the National Meat Inspection Service.
Buencamino discussed the common misconceptions and practices in the meat processing industry and urged local governments and the Pineda administration to step up ways in ensuring that slaughterhouses are not just within standards but also improve hygiene practices for the health of both butchers and consumers.
"There is also some concern on meat sourced from village backyards which are not usually being subjected to screening procedures," Buencamino added, stressing the need to set procedures in ensuring that meat from village livestock raisers follow sanitary and hygiene procedures.
Buencamino also highlighted the need for local training to enable the butchers, meat processors and inspectors to enhance their knowledge and skills on food safety standards.
Pineda expressed optimism in her move to improve slaughterhouses, stressing that steps are now being taken to improve facilities and equipments. She added that they will soon be working closely with slaughterhouses to start improvement programs.
The governor added that the move will also ensure that the practice of sourcing meat from questionable sources will be put to a stop and that only safe meat will be brought into the market.
"This will also help in ensuring the safety of the meat that is sold in our markets and will even enable slaughterhouses to produce meat that is worthy of production for local and international markets," she said.
