CAMIGUIN (PIA)—Noting that most people prefer to purchase goods online due to coronavirus disease (COVID)-19 pandemic, the Provincial Government of Camiguin still recommends buying meat from local stores where consumers can actually see what they are buying.
For those who want to purchase meat through online sellers, the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) advised residents to make sure that they are buying from licensed meat suppliers or entities, which can be verified through the National Meat Inspection Services (NMIS). Buyers should also ask the seller to provide information about the source of meat being sold.
PVO also reminds buyers that meat should always be kept in a cooler or insulated container to keep its freshness and avoid spoilage. Thus, they have to make sure that meat is properly stored prior to buying.
Buyers must also obtain information on the length of delivery time from the physical store to their homes. Travel time must not exceed two hours to maintain the freshness of meat.
When checking on the physical properties of meat, the meat should not have unusual odor and color like greenish or red spots, and it should be firm to the touch when thawed.
For online sellers, PVO recommends that they should be registered with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and a business permit should be obtained from the local government unit.
Meat sold online should be accompanied with the Meat Inspection Certificate (MIC) or the Certificate of Meat Inspection (COM).
For details on proper meat handling, PVO urges interested individuals to visit their local Agriculture Office or the PVO at the Provincial Capitol, Pandan, Mambajao, Camiguin. (RTP/PIA10)
