Cagayan de Oro City — In a decisive move to protect public health, the City Veterinary Office (CVO) seized nearly 300 kilos of assorted and dressed chicken meat at Cogon Market after inspectors discovered that the products had turned foul-smelling and slimy.
Dr. Darryl Rasay, assistant department manager of the CVO, confirmed that the confiscated chicken meat was traced to a single stall. The spoiled products were immediately recorded at Police Station 2, Cogon, and later transported to the City Vet’s disposal facility in Barangay Pagatpat, where they were incinerated to prevent any possibility of reaching consumers.
Mayor Rolando “Klarex” Uy has consistently reminded vendors across the city’s public markets to uphold strict cleanliness and food safety standards. As part of these efforts, the City Health Office recently carried out fumigation operations to eliminate rats, cockroaches, and other pests that threaten food safety in market areas.
Authorities warned that selling unsafe meat not only endangers consumers but also violates Republic Act No. 9296, the Meat Inspection Code of the Philippines. Violators may face serious sanctions, including the revocation of their business permits.
“This is a clear reminder that food vendors carry the responsibility of ensuring their products are safe and hygienic. Spoiled or contaminated meat poses severe risks to public health,” Rasay stressed.
The CVO urged the public to remain vigilant when purchasing meat products, checking for freshness, proper storage, and sanitary handling to avoid foodborne illnesses.