THE City’s Public Health and Markets departments have stepped up inspections of all butcher stalls in the municipal markets.Public Relations Officer (ag) Debra Lewis said the Council is urging customers to exercise care and caution when purchasing meat. She said the Public Health Department has observed that some butchers are engaged in the practice of sneaking meat that has not been inspected by the meat and food inspectors into a particular municipal market.

“The council wishes to advise citizens that it is dangerous to purchase meat that has not been inspected and deemed fit for consumption. It is possible that meat that is contaminated may be purchased and consumed, which can result in consumers becoming ill,” Lewis said.

“When animals are slaughtered at the municipal abattoir, the carcass is thoroughly examined for bruises and infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis. If, during the inspection, the carcass is found to be diseased, it is confiscated by the Environmental Health Officer.”

She explained that the primary role of the municipal abattoir is to ensure that wholesome meat reaches the consumer. The abattoir is the authorised authority in the city for slaughtering, inspecting and pronouncing on the health of carcasses for consumption. The Meat and Food Inspectors work assiduously to ensure that the correct sequence of operation is followed, and to facilitate efficiency while preventing any form of contamination and cross-contamination.

The council is therefore urging consumers to examine meat for the municipal stamp before purchasing. The council is doing its part, and citizens are encouraged to shop consciously, Lewis added.