BISLIG CITY, Surigao del Sur — Authorities confiscated and condemned 681.58 kilograms of assorted chicken by-products found spoiled and unfit for human consumption during a post-abattoir monitoring operation conducted by the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) in Bislig City, Surigao del Sur.
The NMIS Regional Technical Operations Center XIII (Caraga), through its Enforcement Team, carried out the monitoring activity as part of efforts to prevent unsafe meat and meat products from reaching public markets and consumers.
The discovery raises food safety concerns, as spoiled animal products pose potential health risks if they enter the food supply and are consumed by unsuspecting buyers.
According to the NMIS Caraga, the confiscated chicken by-products were condemned to prevent their distribution and sale. The agency did not provide further details on the establishment where the products were found, the circumstances surrounding their storage or transport, or whether administrative or legal proceedings would follow.
The operation was conducted in coordination with the Bislig City Veterinary Office and the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Bislig City, highlighting the role of interagency cooperation in enforcing meat safety regulations and protecting public health.
The NMIS is responsible for implementing meat inspection standards and overseeing compliance with regulations intended to ensure that meat and meat products sold to the public are safe, wholesome and fit for human consumption.
Post-abattoir monitoring is an important part of this regulatory work because meat safety risks can arise even after slaughter and initial inspection, particularly during handling, storage, transport and distribution.
The NMIS Caraga said it remains committed to strengthening surveillance and enforcement activities to prevent unsafe meat products from entering the market and exposing consumers to potential foodborne hazards.
However, the agency has yet to disclose whether the confiscated products were traced to a particular supplier or business, or whether the monitoring operation resulted in any arrests or formal charges.
Consumers are encouraged to remain vigilant when purchasing meat and animal by-products, particularly by checking their condition, observing proper refrigeration and buying from legitimate, inspected sources.
The confiscation underscores the importance of sustained inspection and enforcement, as protecting consumers requires not only identifying unsafe products but also ensuring that they are kept out of the food supply.
The NMIS Caraga reiterated its commitment to strengthening enforcement, safeguarding public health and ensuring safe, wholesome and quality meat for communities across the Caraga Region.