PHILIPPINES - The National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) on Thursday seized a ton of "double dead" pork in a surprise inspection at a public market in Quezon City.
Inspectors of the NMIS found several batches of rancid meat, popularly called "botcha," concealed inside plastic bags and weaved baskets while others were being sold in cartons along sidewalks near MC Market in Balintawak.
ABS-CBN News reports that the meat inspectors also seized 60 kilograms of India buffalo meat.
Last week, the NMIS seized 3,000 kilos of rotten pork meat at the public market.
NMIS authorities said the rotten pork, which may have been carved from sick pigs, are discolored, cold, and was being sold at almost P50 lower than the regular market price.
The meat also did not have an NMIS seal, making it unfit for consumption. Indian buffalo meat, meanwhile, is supposedly banned from the market because cow slaughter is illegal in India.
Dr. Eduardo Oblena, NMIS officer-in-charge, said the rotten meat would cause several diseases if eaten.
Dr. Oblena also urged the local government to exert more effort in curbing the rampant sale of 'hot meat' in several markets, especially in Balintawak.
The confiscated meat, meanwhile, will be buried to prevent further sale.
Under the Consumer Act of the Philippines, the illegal sale of unsafe products like double-dead meat has a corresponding penalty of P1,000 to P10,000 and not less than six months but not more than five years of imprisonment.
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