A POULTRY group called on the public to be cautious in buying poultry products, especially imported frozen ones, from wet markets due to possible health risks.
Poultry group United Broilers Raisers Association (UBRA) as well as medical experts said the sale of frozen imported chicken in wet markets has long been a recurring problem in the Philippines.
UBRA chairman Elias Jose Inciong on Monday, September 22, said that imported chickens should go through strict laws and regulations as well as laboratory testing to ensure safety.
The risk of bacteria contamination is also higher in frozen products given the process of packaging and storage, Inciong said.
”Likewise, frozen products tend to use chemicals to avoid freezer burn. Health authorities said such chemicals can sometimes result in simple skin redness and swelling to as severe as chest pains and palpitations,” he added.
Inciong said vendors in wet markets should not sell frozen products if they do not have a freezer because thawing and refreezing also risk the product from salmonella.
UBRA Technical Committee Dr. Rolly dela Torre, meanwhile, said that safety features should be in place when selling imported frozen chickens such as efficient cold chain facility and proper refrigeration equipment at the market level.
Dela Torre said expiration must also be observed as well as the provisions of the Food Safety Act and regulations of the National Meat Inspection Service on handling frozen meat be followed.
The group is also urging the government to confiscate thawed or contaminated meat and apprehend and penalize violators under the Food Safety Act and the Code of Sanitation of the Philippines. (GMA Integrated News)
