Meat Safety Enforcement Intensifies in Bulacan Following Confiscations

The National Meat Inspection Service confiscated approximately 3 metric tons of uninspected and improperly handled meat, valued at P634,000, at the Malolos Public Market in Bulacan on October 16. A similar incident occurred in September in Santa Maria, Bulacan, where the National Bureau of Investigation intercepted 10 to 15 metric tons of frozen chicken, valued around P7 million, amid allegations that imported meat intended for destruction was being sold for consumption. Joel Villanueva urged the Department of Agriculture and the National Meat Inspection Service to strengthen meat safety enforcement and provide local governments with necessary support.

The incidents highlight concerns over the safety of meat sold in public markets. Joel Villanueva stressed that the food safety system must ensure consumers can trust the meat they purchase. He also emphasized the need to protect legitimate livestock and poultry producers and meat processors.