Over 3 tons of undocumented meat products intercepted in Koronadal City

The National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS)-Region 12 intercepted over three tons of undocumented meat in Koronadal City on July 17. The shipment was immediately burned at the city’s sanitary landfill. (Photo by AMIEL M. CAGAYAN) KORONADAL CITY — More than three tons of undocumented meat products were seized by the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) in Region 12 in Koronadal City on Thursday. Grace Rosete, supervising meat control officer of NMIS-Region 12, said the seizure stemmed from a regular monitoring and surveillance operation after the agency received information about the alleged illegal transport of imported meat products. Acting on the tip, inspectors found frozen meat products loaded inside a delivery van carrying fruits and vegetables instead of a refrigerated vehicle designed for transporting meat. Article continues after this advertisement Rosete said the shipment’s owner failed to present the required documents, including a Certificate of Meat Inspection (COMI), shipping permit, and Letter of Acceptance required for the entry of pork products into the province as part of biosecurity measures against African Swine Fever (ASF). The driver was only able to present a delivery receipt. Authorities confiscated 3,404.65 kilograms of frozen meat products, including pork mask, chicken breast fillet, boneless chicken leg meat, pork fat, mechanically deboned chicken meat (MDM), and pork liver. Rosete said the immediate penalty was the confiscation of the entire shipment. She added that NMIS is preparing a report for its central office, which will determine whether or not charges will be filed. The seized meat products were immediately transported to the Koronadal City sanitary landfill for proper disposal in coordination with the City Veterinary Office. Article continues after this advertisement According to Rosete, the delivery van came from Davao City and was able to pass through checkpoints because it was registered as a vehicle transporting fruits instead of meat. The NMIS also reminded meat traders to comply with proper documentation and transport requirements to help ensure food safety and prevent the spread of animal diseases such as ASF. /gsg Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful.