Butchers urged to shun unhealthy meat handling practices in abattoirs

By Stanley Onyekwere

Butchers in abattoirs across the FCT have been admonished to stop unhealthy and vunacceptable practices in the processing of meat, as it is harmful to humans.
In particular, they are cautioned not to use unclean bare floors in the butchering of meat, but instead make use of thick leather sheets to prevent contamination.
Making this point, the Acting Secretary of the FCT Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat (ARDS), Mr. Ibe Prospect Chwukuemeka, expressed serious concern over frequent complaints of unhealthy practices in the processing of meat in the Territory.
He warned that the Secretariat will no longer condone activities that constitute hazards to the public, disclosing that it is working towards introducing new measures to enhance effective monitoring of activities in the abattoir.
“Going forward, we will be introducing new measures that will enable us monitor every activity taking place in the abattoirs; from the point of meat inspection and supervision by our Veterinary officials to ensure compliance with hygienic processes by the butchers in the abattoirs.
“Also, we will introduce new technologies to strengthen the surveillance to address reports of the use of tyres to roast meat as well as drug peddling,” he explained.
According to a recent statement from the Deputy Director, Information, ARDS, Zakari Aliyu, the team had visited the Karu and Kubwa abattoirs.
It added that on the issue of environmental sanitation and pollution, the ARDS boss said the Secretariat is working in collaboration with the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) as well as engage the services of reputable cleaning services companies for cleaning and evacuation of waste in the various abattoirs.
It added that the ARDS boss appealed for the support and cooperation of the Area Councils in improving services in the slaughter slabs.