Meat regulator will end BMC monopoly
Tuesday, November 27, 2018
BMC Headquarters
Speaking before the Selibe-Phikwe Town Council meeting last week, Joseph said the regulator would be established to facilitate open market so that private abattoirs may also access the international market. He told the full council that the regulator would also look into the licensing of abattoirs, marketing and distribution agents and enforce quality controls by setting standards and regulations for meat grading and animal inspection.
“The regulator would also enforce compliance with the international standards and market requirements as far as hygiene and sanitary requirements are concerned. The regulator would also ensure consumer protection and public education as well as enforce standards and regulations in relation to the protection of farmers’ interests through tariff setting among others,” he said.
According to both the acting director of Veterinary Services, Kobedi Segale and acting Lands and Agriculture minister, Edwin Dikoloti, the virus currently raging through the North-East mostly likely first entered the country during the festive season.From the “unprecedented” number of cases picked in testing last week, it is likely that cattle and other livestock could have been infected last year, without being reported.Animal health...