Latest update November 20th, 2024 1:00 AM
Latest News
- ‘Guyana not shackled to Exxon oil deal forever’ – Professor Clive Thomas
- Exxon hires same consultant to do EIA study for 7th oil project
- G20 leaders call for ‘comprehensive’ ceasefires in Gaza and Lebanon
- Electrician killed after trucks collide on Sheriff Street
- Fmr. High Commissioner encourages Indian businesses to set up shop in Guyana for gold, timber, etc.
City inspector warns against purchasing unsafe meat
— Moves afoot to clamp down on errant vendors
The Public Health Department of Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) is warning against the dangers of purchasing uninspected meat.
Meat sold at the local marketplaces that has not undergone inspection by the Abattoir poses serious public health risks.
Chief Meat and Food Inspector, Onica Alleyne-Blackman
According to Chief Meat and Food Inspector, Onica Alleyne –Blackman uninspected meat can be dangerous since certain animals carry diseases that can be transmitted to humans.
“Tuberculosis, for instance, is one disease that animals (mainly cattle) can contract and if the animal is sick then the meat is contaminated. If sold it can result in a serious health situations.
“But there are some persons who insist on selling meat that has not undergone the requisite process of inspection by the Abattoir,” Alleyne -Blackman disclosed during a press conference held at City Hall, last week.
The Chief Meat and Food Inspector noted that persons operating outside the ambit of the municipal abattoir are in contravention of the city by-laws regarding matters of public health.
According to Alleyne-Blackman, the department has issued a number of warnings to errant vendors. “We have been moving to clamp down on these vendors. We do conduct raids on their freezers and cold storage areas to check for the proper labeling and stamps.”
“If found in non-compliance with our regulations, the meat is seized and destroyed. We can impose a fine that is thrice the cost of having the meat inspected at the Abattoir in the first place,” Alleyne-Blackman posited.
While she admitted that there is no guaranteed way of knowing that the meat purchased at the market is safe for human consumption, Alleyne-Blackman said that consumers should check to ensure that the meat bears a stamp of approval from the public health department.’
“There a blue stamp on the meat that would have been inspected by the staff at the Abattoir. That stamp of approval may not be visible on all the meats on sale but there should be pieces which bear that seal on display at the various stalls. So it’s a matter of observation for consumers.”
More than 75 % of the meats sold at the markets undergo public health assessment and evaluation by staff of the Muncipal Abattoir. Cow, goat, pig and sheep meat are inspected and slaughtered at the abattoir at least three times per week.
Ms. Allyene-Blackman explained that the meat inspection process is not limited to inspecting the carcass but includes inspection of the animal when it is still alive (ante-mortem inspection) to determine if it is suffering from any adverse conditions before allowing it to be slaughtered humanely (with minimal suffering) as that process affects the quality of the final product.
“Once humanely slaughtered and the blood drained, the animal then undergoes post-mortem inspection to ensure it is fit for human consumption.”
While she admitted that infection passed on from animals to humans is not common, humans can be infected via direct contact with a wound, such as what might occur during slaughter.
“And there are instances where persons do not cook their meat thoroughly. Those persons are at risk of contamination.”
City Hall has been moving to reinforce and ensure that meat vendors and food handlers operate within the public health regulations.Top of Form
Last year the Food Hygiene Section of the Georgetown M&CC hosted a Food Safety Seminar which focused on better informing vendors on regulations and safe food practices as well as handling.
During the seminar Alleyne-Blackman, noted that persons involved in any stage of preparation, cooking or sale of food must, possess a food handler’s certificate to handle and sell food.
“As food handlers you have a very important role, and your role is to ensure that food that you serve to customers is safe for them to consume.”
The officer said that this can be done by preventing contamination of all forms, which can lead to illnesses. Symptoms of this illness include vomiting, cramps and diarrhea, among others.
The food inspector expounded on the various types of bacteria and the damage it causes.
It was on this note that she asserted that inspections are expected to be carried out in various food premises – in order to ensure that they are safe, as well as to reinforce regulations.
Food handlers across Guyana would usually undergo three tests, one which includes a blood test that is done to scan for diseases such as syphilis which should be absent in the body.
Similar Articles
THE BLUNT OF THE DAY
Sports
Features/Columnists
Mali arrested Australian gold company CEO, others over tax fraud
Resolute Resources CEO Terence Holohan. (X: Resolute Resources) By Stephen Letts In short: Perth-based Resolute Mining says... more
Rising Gun Crimes in the Caribbean: Urgent Action required by all
By Sir Ronald Sanders Kaieteur News – There is an alarming surge in gun-related violence, particularly among younger... more
Weekend Cartoon
