Veterinary authority lays down new standards for meat transport in Mozambique

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Veterinary authority lays down new standards for meat transport in Mozambique

12:11 CAT | 26 Feb 2020

File photo: Noticias

As from March 1, transportation of fresh meat and other animal products in Mozambique will have to take place using vehicles with refrigerated compartments, duly authorized and licensed by the veterinary authority.

The National Veterinary Directorate (DINAV) says the measure results from findings that meat transport has to date sometimes been carried out in vehicles lacking minimum hygiene conditions, putting consumers’ health at risk.

Fernando Rodrigues, animal health technician at the Ministry of Agriculture explains that this measure aims to put an end to the irregularities that occur in the movement of products of animal origin.

“We have verified that the transport of meat, from slaughter houses and meat processing establishments to points of sale, is sometimes carried out without observing hygienic conditions. The time has come to put a stop to this and do it properly,” the Ministry of Agriculture’s Fernando Rodrigues says.

The measure foresees meat being transported in vehicles with closed compartments, at a maximum temperature of 4ºC.

“This legal provision also applies to operators who want to move large quantities of meat from one province to another. We have issued a circular to the provinces indicating some aspects to take into account in inspections,” Rodrigues explained.

The regulation stipulates that vehicles used to transport meat must be built in a way which facilitates cleaning and disinfection, and have an appropriate, impermeable internal lining with rounded corners.

“The vehicles must also have stainless metal hooks for the suspension of all meat and trays for transporting viscera, so that they do not come into contact the vehicle floor, and which can be easily removed,” he added.

Poor packaging of meat and other animal products can lead to diseases such as salmonellosis, tuberculosis, and even cholera, Rodrigues warns.

Source: Noticias