Consumers warned on meat

(CNS): As local butchers get down to the business of slaughtering their animals to meet the Christmas demand for home reared meat, the Department of Agriculture (DoA) and the Department of Environmental Health (DEH) are reminding them that before slaughter animals must be inspected and afterwards meat products must also be checked. Consumers are being warned not to buy meat not bearing a DEH stamp

To ensure holiday meat protection the DoA conducts inspections to maintain consumption safety standards before slaughter, and DEH officials must inspect carcasses to determine whether they are safe for human consumption.

The public is reminded that local meat is only deemed fit when carcasses bear the ’DEH inspected and passed’ stamp. Butchers and consumers are also reminded that selling carcasses, or portions of them, that have not been DEH inspected and approved is against the Public Health Law (2002 Revision).

DEH officials are asking consumers to be vigilant about the meat they purchase.

“For your own safety and for the health of those who may consume the meals you prepare, do not purchase any locally slaughtered meat that does not have the DEH stamp," Senior Food Safety Officer Gideon Simms said.“If at any time you observe anyone selling locally slaughtered meat without the stamp, immediately report the matter to the DEH.”

For more information, call DEH on 949-6696 or the DoA on 947-3090.

Before slaughter, call DoA staff on 947-3090 to make arrangements and call the DEH on 949-6696 at least 48 hours in advance of the proposed slaughter time, to make arrangements for post-mortem meat inspections.