By Ahikam Pasion
Mangaldan tightens meat inspec
MANGALDAN, Pangasinan—The local government of Mangaldan will intensify inspections of meat sold at the public market in coordination with the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS), as part of stricter enforcement of regulations banning the slaughter of animals outside authorized facilities.
During a meeting led by Mayor Bona Fe De Vera Parayno, municipal officials reiterated that slaughtering is allowed only in accredited slaughterhouses and dressing plants to ensure that meat sold to the public is properly inspected and safe for consumption.
Officials said the policy is intended to prevent the spread of animal-borne diseases, including African Swine Fever (ASF), Salmonella, and E. coli.
The local government also announced the establishment of a “one inspection station” within the meat section of the public market. At the station, inspectors will verify required documents such as the Meat Inspection Certificate (MIC) and the Certificate of Meat Inspection (COMI) before meat products are allowed for sale.
Municipal authorities called on meat vendors and traders to cooperate with the inspections, warning that violations of existing laws and regulations may result in penalties.
The LGU said it continues to coordinate with NMIS on longer-term measures, including the possible construction of an additional dressing plant in Mangaldan to support compliance with meat safety standards. (Ahikam Pasion)