Checking the quality of meat on the market

STRICTER checks on meat quality will be enforced during the festive season, Agriculture Minister Michalis Polynikis said yesterday.

In a meeting with Veterinary Services and Health Services, Polynikis called for the adoption of added measures to protect public health and ensure consumers can make informed purchases.

“I have given instructions to Veterinary Services to intensify daily checks at all points of production, packaging, storage and sale in the fresh meat market. Particular care should be given so that all slaughtered animals bear a stamp denoting the country of origin, next to the quality stamp,” Polynikis said.

Veterinary Services have compiled a timetable to check all slaughterhouses, butcheries, and meat cutting workshops. When meat is displayed at supermarkets for sale, establishments have an obligation to place a sign indicating the origin of the meat.

Between now and  January 7,  approximately 65,000 lambs will be available, 50,000 of which are of Cypriot origin.  In addition meat from a total of 3,500 cows will enter the market, as well as 3,500 pigs, 400,000 chickens, and 50,000 turkeys.

Polynikis also called for a close cooperation between Veterinary Services, the Department of Agriculture and Customs Services in order to intensify checks at cross points, to ensure that meat is not imported from the north.

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