Tons of mishandled meat products seized in Balintawak Market

Authorities confiscated nearly 1.4 tons of improperly handled meat products and 10 kilos of chicken galantina from 10 stalls at Balintawak Market in Quezon City on Thursday evening, citing food safety violations.

The National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS), in coordination with the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), seized the products valued at ₱353,602.50 following reports of undocumented and improperly stored frozen meat being sold in the market.

NMIS Officer-in-Charge Executive Director Fernando Lontoc said inspectors found meat products being handled carelessly and stored on floors and other unsuitable areas.

He said the practices violated Administrative Order No. 6, which requires frozen meat to be stored in freezers and chillers at appropriate temperatures.

Lontoc warned that consuming mishandled meat could expose the public to contaminants and cause illnesses, including diarrhea.

The seized chicken galantina also failed to undergo the required inspection, he added, stressing that meat and food animals must pass the prescribed examination before being sold for consumption.

Lontoc warned that repeat offenders could face criminal charges, with penalties ranging from ₱100,000 to ₱1 million in fines and imprisonment of six to 12 years if convicted.

Some vendors claimed the meat found outside freezers was already prepared for immediate delivery and was awaiting pickup by transport vehicles.

However, authorities said all confiscated products would be brought to accredited rendering plants to ensure they could no longer be processed or sold as food for human consumption.