Sale of unhygienic meat goes on unchecked in Sialkot

Locals claim butchers are selling water treated meat at higher price

SIALKOT:  

The district administration has failed to check the sale of unhygienic meat in parts of Sialkot City, Express News has learnt. Butchers are selling the meat of sick animals at higher rates instead of the price fixed by the district administration.

A visit to different markets revealed that most butchers are selling unhygienic meat and are also involved in profiteering. There is virtually no official check on the slaughtering of sick and weak animals by butchers in the district and residents are being supplied unhygienic meat.

People complained that water is pumped into the veins of animals slaughtered in private places to increase their weight and then the meat is sold in various areas.

They pointed out that the meat is transported to retailers in pushcarts without proper cover. They said that lack of checks and balances by authorities has resulted in increase in meat prices. They alleged that the officials are minting money from butchers for allowing sale of meat from sick animals by giving the official stamp to them.

While speaking to Express News, a butcher, requesting anonymity, confirmed that water is pumped into slaughtered animals to increase their weight by 30% to 40%. “When it is cooked, one kilogramme of such meat is reduced to only 500 or 600 grammes after the evaporation of water.”

Shahab Ali, a consumer and resident of Shahabpura, said, “People are forced to buy water treated meat at higher rates due to  thenegligence of the government.”

He added that despite a ban on the sale of such meat, butchers are selling it openly without any fear.

Shujaat Hasnain, who visited the market in Noorpura area to buy meat, said most of the butchers slaughter animals at private places, away from slaughterhouse, in violation of the rules.

He demanded that those involved in selling unhygienic meat should be taken to task.

A cleric at a local mosque in Hajipura Maulana Anwarul Haq said that consumption of such meat is not only forbidden, but also harmful for the human health. He urged the district administration to launch a crackdown against the butchers involved in this practice.