Authorities seize over a ton of mishandled meat, galantina in Balintawak Market

MANILA — Authorities confiscated around 1,400 kilograms of mishandled meat products and 10 kilos of chicken galantina during a joint operation at the Balintawak Market in Quezon City on Thursday evening, October 8.

The operation was conducted by the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) alongside the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).

Officials issued confiscation receipts to 10 stalls after inspectors discovered violations, pushing the total value of the seized goods to P353,602.50.

Dr. Fernando Lontoc, NMIS OIC Executive Director, stated that authorities acted on reports regarding undocumented and mishandled frozen meat being sold in the area.

“Makikita nyo na inihahampas pa sa mga sahig at kung saan saan lang nila iniimbak ang mga ito.”

According to the NMIS, the practice violates Administrative Order Number 6, which mandates that frozen meat products must be stored in freezers and chillers while maintaining proper temperatures.

Lontoc warned that consuming such items poses significant health risks.

“Ang daming contaminants dyan na pwedeng health hazard sa ating consuming public… pwede tayo magkasakit, pwede magtae kapag nakakain ng mga mishandled frozen meat,” he explained.

Lontoc added that the seized chicken galantina bypassed mandatory evaluation processes.

“Yung galantina kasi ay hindi dumaan sa complete inspection… Ang requirement natin lahat ng food animal ay dapat dumaan sa masusing inspeksyon kung ito ay buhay na at kung ito ay karne na dapat mainspeksyon ng controlling authority,” he said.

Warning repeat offenders of consequences, Lontoc stated, “Sa susunod na umulit ulit sila ay kakasuhan na natin… may parusa yan kung mapapatunayan talaga na P100,000 to P1 million at pwede sila makulong ng anim na taon hanggang 12 taon.”

Several vendors and individuals caught during the operation offered explanations for the condition and placement of the meat.

One frozen meat seller whose products were found on the ground claimed they were ready for transport. He explained, “Ikakarga ko na sana order sa amin… may sapin naman, natiyempuhan lang talaga.”

Another individual who was picking up frozen meat products from the market also had items confiscated, he said, “pangdeliver na po.”

A vendor whose products were found on the floor defended their storage setup, saying, “meron po talaga kami stock-an naka freezer po yan eh binili na niya po may resibo na sa kanya bale hinihintay na lang po yung maghahakot nyan tapos andyan na rin po yung sasakyan niya kaya lang po naabutan ng NMIS natin.”

Another vendor offered a similar explanation, noting that the goods were meant for immediate transport.

“Kumbaga idedeliver na po namin yan kaso lang po may huli kasi kaya pinasok namin lahat… wala po kasing malalagyan nito kasi yung L300 namin ang pipickup nyan yung lagayan talaga wala pa.”

To ensure public safety, all confiscated goods will be taken off-site. 

“Itong mga karne na ito ay dadalhin natin sa mga recognized na rendering plant para ma-assure natin na hindi na ito maco-covert into human food,” Lontoc emphasized. 

“Ni isang kilo ay wala tayong ititira ididispose natin ito properly.”