DAR ES SALAAM: THE Minister for Livestock and Fisheries, Dr Bashiru Ally, has directed the Tanzania Meat Board (TMB) to take immediate action against the sale of meat and meat products in unregistered premises, including closing all non-compliant butcher shops and stopping illegal slaughterhouse operations. Dr Bashiru said the measures are necessary to protect consumers’ health and strengthen the government’s efforts to improve the livestock sector in the country. The Minister issued the directive after visiting the Vingunguti abattoir in Dar es Salaam, where he was informed by slaughterhouse operators about an increase in uncontrolled livestock slaughtering, particularly goats and sheep, taking place outside the official system.
He said the government has invested 19.5bn/- in the construction of the abattoir to ensure that meat supplied to consumers meets required quality and food safety standards. Adding, he warned that the government will not tolerate individuals operating unapproved slaughterhouses or selling meat without complying with established regulations. ALSO READ: Exposed: How butchers tamper with weighing scales “There is uncontrolled selling of meat and meat products.
Everyone has been operating their own slaughtering facilities. The Tanzania Meat Board should take action against all owners of unregistered butcher shops and those conducting illegal slaughtering. This is prohibited because all food products sold, including meat, fish and milk, must undergo the required inspection and certification,” he said.
He also directed leaders of the Dar es Salaam City Council to speed up the process of finding an investor to operate the abattoir in accordance with government procedures and requirements. The Minister warned that if operational challenges at the facility continue, the government may take further measures, including shutting down the abattoir. Dr Bashiru said effective management of livestock production, slaughtering and meat distribution is essential to ensuring consumers have access to safe products while enabling the livestock sector to continue contributing to the growth of the national economy.
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