Strict check of meat, fish entry to Baguio pushed

BAGUIO CITY -- An ordinance was proposed here to set stricter monitoring process for entry, handling, sale, and distribution of processed meat, fish, and aqua products in the city.
    Under the proposed ordinance filed by Councilor Philian Weygan-Allan, the following shall be required for entry of animal carcasses, meat and products, processed meat and fish and aqua products: meat inspection certificate for those slaughtered or dressed within the city and other provinces or certificate of meat inspection for those coming from other countries, auxiliary invoice issued by LGUs for transport from point of origin, local transport permit issued by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and license to operate. 

    The city government shall install inspection and collection teams in various entry points of the city.
    The proposed ordinance shall also impose requirements for the transport vehicles to the city to ensure that they pass sanitary standards.
    On handling of meat and fish in the market, certain sanitary rules must be followed such as maintaining the areas where the goods are handled in good condition at all times and the immediate disposal of meat or fish that show signs of spoilage. The use of color enhancing mat to deceive consumers as to the freshness of products shall be prohibited. For meat handlers, they shall be required to acquire a health certificate from the City Health Services Office (CHSO) and a meat handler’s license from the City Veterinary and Agriculture Office (CVAO).
    Handling of processed meat products shall be in accordance with the Food and Safety Act of 2013. Traditional processed meat such as kini-ing or etag that are for sale shall be properly packed and labeled. Hanging such products for retail sale shall be prohibited.
    The selling of meat shall comply with zoning, business, and health requirements. Ordinance 87-2021 (Adopting the prescribed standard requirements for meat shops in the City of Baguio) shall likewise be complied with.
    A monitoring task force shall be created with the city mayor as the chairperson, the chairperson of the Sanggunian’s committee on market, trade and commerce, and agriculture as the vice-chairperson, the city veterinarian as the action officer.
    The members shall be the market superintendent, licensing officer, chief of the Public Order and Safety Division (POSD), chief of COMPAC 1 Baguio City Police Office (BCPO), and representatives of the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS), CHSO, CVAO, City Legal Office, Meat Vendors Association, and Fish Vendors Association.
    The task force shall conduct a monthly inspection of all concerned establishments in the city and confiscate meat and fish products that are contaminated and are not properly displayed.
    They shall formulate policies and strategies on sale of products. 
    The proposed ordinance has been approved on first reading and referred to the Sanggunian’s Committee on Market, Trade and Commerce, and Agriculture for review. -Jordan G. Habbiling