400 kilos of processed meat seized in Ilocos Sur

TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan – At least 400 kilos of processed meat feared contaminated with African swine fever (ASF) were seized at a checkpoint in Barangay Bio, Tagudin, Ilocos Sur on Tuesday.

Police said Apolonio Ridao, the driver of a van loaded with bacon, hotdog and burger patties, failed to present the necessary permits to transport the items.

Last week, a truck loaded with 3,500 kilos of meat from Bulacan was held at the same checkpoint after the driver failed to present the necessary documents.

In Pangasinan, local officials and residents of Lingayen ate roasted pigs and pork dishes served in front of the town hall to show that hogs in the town are free from ASF.

Lechon boodle fights were also recently held in Mangaldan and Pozzorubio to assure the public that it is safe to eat pork.

As this developed, SAGIP party-list Rep. Rodante Marcoleta said the government should focus its efforts on more urgent and pressing concerns, such as inadequate health services, instead of the ASF.

“The issue of ASF has been all over the news for the past month, causing panic to consumers although it has been confirmed that is is not a threat to food safety,” Marcoleta told a press briefing.

“If we have so much to worry on the fate of our pigs, we should be more concerned with our sick countrymen... those who patiently queue up for hours in hospitals... all wanting to seek free medical treatment,” he said.

ACT-CIS Rep. Niña Taduran for her part, sought stronger measures to address ASF, citing the need to implement additional measures to ensure that safety standards are met in culling pigs suspected to be infected by the ASF virus.