By Benjamin Cuaresma
DASMARIÑAS CITY, Cavite — Government authorities confiscated more than 4.4 metric tons of improperly handled and undocumented frozen meat during a joint enforcement operation at a public market here, uncovering products that posed potential health risks to consumers.
The operation, conducted before dawn on Wednesday, was led by the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) in partnership with the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and the Department of Agriculture–Inspectorate and Enforcement (DA-IE).
A total of 4,409.66 kilograms of frozen pork, chicken, and beef were seized after inspectors discovered meat stored in non-operational refrigerated vans, damaged containers, and market stalls where frozen products were displayed without proper refrigeration.
Of the total volume confiscated, 631.52 kilograms were taken directly from display tables where frozen meat had been left exposed instead of being kept inside freezers or chillers.
NMIS Region IV-A Director Dr. Eduardo Oblena said the inspection was part of the agency’s regular market monitoring program aimed at protecting public health and ensuring compliance with food safety standards.
According to Oblena, most of the frozen meat products were imported but lacked the required permits and supporting documents proving their lawful entry into the country.
Under existing regulations, meat products without proper documentation are classified as “hot meat” and are prohibited from being sold to the public.
Inspectors also found that several products were no longer being maintained at the required storage temperature of -18°C to -10°C, increasing the risk of bacterial contamination.
Oblena explained that once frozen meat is left exposed at room temperature, it begins to thaw, allowing natural juices to escape and creating an environment where harmful microorganisms can multiply rapidly.
He warned that consuming contaminated meat may lead to food poisoning, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, headaches, and, in severe cases, hospitalization, particularly among children, senior citizens, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Several vendors offered varying explanations during the operation, with some claiming they were unaware that the products lacked documentation, while others insisted the meat remained safe despite damaged packaging and refrigeration units that had been switched off.
All confiscated meat products were transported to an authorized disposal facility in coordination with the local government. Authorities issued confiscation receipts and documented the violations for possible administrative and legal action.
Oblena said the Dasmariñas market has previously been the subject of similar enforcement operations involving mishandled and undocumented meat, prompting authorities to continue strict surveillance.
The NMIS also urged consumers to purchase meat only from legitimate vendors and to ensure frozen products are properly refrigerated before buying, stressing that safe food handling remains essential in preventing foodborne diseases.
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