Photo courtesy of PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group
Authorities seized 241 kilograms of allegedly mishandled, unregistered and unaccredited meat products from vendors at Pasay Public Market early Tuesday.
The confiscated products were valued at Php 77,840, according to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group.
The operation was carried out from about 1:45 a.m. to 3:25 a.m. by the CIDG Anti-Fraud and Commercial Crimes Unit, the National Meat Inspection Service and the Department of Agriculture Inspectorate and Enforcement.
Inspectors acted on an NMIS mission order authorizing checks for possible violations of the Meat Inspection Code of the Philippines and related Department of Agriculture regulations.
Authorities said the inspection focused on whether meat products being sold complied with handling, registration and accreditation requirements.
The seized items were removed from circulation as part of efforts to prevent potentially unsafe products from reaching consumers.
The CIDG also reminded buyers to look for proper sanitary permits, NMIS inspection marks and valid product registrations when purchasing meat.
Police said they would continue coordinating with the NMIS and the Department of Agriculture in enforcing food safety and meat inspection rules.