Prince Gbolahan Lawal, Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture has persuaded franchisees operating in the red meat value chain in the state to put in place required protocols in order to ensure that their meat is healthy for human consumption.
Yesterday in Lagos, the Commissioner for agriculture made the call when he met with the operators in advancement of engagements with stakeholders in the red meat value chain sequel to the state government adoption of new reforms to sanitize the value chain in the state.
Gbolahan Lawal noted that the engagement with stakeholders was necessary in order to avail them of the new reforms as well as solicited their cooperation and support for the success of the reforms adding that the main objective of the reform is the promotion of wholesome and hygienically processed beef for the populace.
Since animal health is human health, we need to be careful in the ways animals are handled, and food handling plays a vital role in food safety and every protocol that would ensure that meat is healthy and good for human consumption must be put in place, Lawal stressed.
“It is important to note that 60% of pathogens that affect man are from animals, this is referred to as zoonosis. The implication of this is that our association with animals makes us susceptible to certain diseases that can easily be prevented with the right knowledge.
The failure to carry out the right action is the cause of several un-explainable deaths and chronic conditions. And since the animal pathogens that affect man through consumption of their products and byproducts, hence proper handling, processing, and packaging are very essential,” the Commissioner noted.
Lawal pointed out that only certified animals fit for consumption must be allowed to enter the value chain hence he averred that carcasses procured must have a certificate of health with a meat receipt while supply vendors must not only make full disclosure of clients but must also furnish the veterinary officers of their chosen abattoir a 24-hour notice of intention of slaughter.
According to the Commissioner, supply vendors engaging in sharp practices would henceforth be prosecuted alongside any officer that passed the beef adding that a public announcement of the incidence will be made thus blacklisting such vendor while any market where the prevalence of sharp practices is high will be closed immediately.
“A database of suppliers with their clients will henceforth be generated. In addition, a rating/ scoring system would be put in place to ensure only competent hands are in the meat industry and a standard Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) plan for supply merchants would also be generated and there must be 100% compliance,” Lawal said.
Source- the Guardian
