BAGUIO CITY (PIA) -- The National Meat Inspection Service - Cordillera (NMIS-CAR) reminds the public to check on the safety of the meat before buying it.
 
NMIS-CAR Supervising Meat Control Officer Dr. Mateo Puatu said consumers must check the inspection mark posted in the meat section or the meat inspection certificate.
 
"Tingnan po nila dun sa puwesto 'yung marka ng inspection. Kalimitan po diyan ay kulay violet o blue na hugis bilog, 'yun po ay palatandaan na 'yun ay minarkahan ng inspector na na-inspect na walang sakit ['yung nakatay]", Puatu said.
 
He explained that the meat inspection certificate is a proof that the butchered animal underwent thorough inspection at the slaughter house and is safe for human consumption.

Puatu said  the NMIS continues to keep an eye on the markes’ meat aisles and slaughterhouses to ensure meat safety.
 
"Kapag dumaan sa slaughter house na akreditado, rehistrado ng munisipyo at may marka ng pagkatatak, may meat inspection certificate na dokumento, makasisiguro ang mamimili na ang kanilang biniling karne ay sariwa at walang sakit."
 
NMIS-CAR Meat Control Officer I Dr. Janet Chaluyen said that in coordination with the local government units, they have trained and deputized some personnel to be meat inspectors.

"As of now, maganda naman po ang ginagawa nating monitoring kasi everyday po iyan, may meat inspector kasi everyday naman po 'yung katay sa ating mga slaughter houses, so everyday  nai-inspect 'yung ating mga food animals," Chaluyen said.
 
The NMIS-CAR also reminded the meat vendors to abide by the law governing meat safety as  violation of such laws  equates to penalties.
 
Under the Meat Inspection Code of the Philippines, any person who violates any of the provisions of the Act will face imprisonment from six to 12 years or a fine ranging from P100,000 to P1,000,000.
 
Pursuant to Proclamation No. 276, Series of 1993, the third week of October every year is  declared Meat Safety Consciousness Week, which aims to protect the public from the danger of consuming uninspected meat by raising awareness of the quality and safety standards of the product. (JDP/DEG-PIA CAR)