Avoid unlicensed abattoirs

Authorities here have warned the public not to buy meat from unlicensed slaughterhouses in the interest of public health, hygiene and safety. Only licensed abattoirs should be approached to purchase meat, said the Ministry of Works, Municipal Affairs and Urban Planning. Animal Health Control department issued the warning.

 There are two abattoirs in the Kingdom, one in Sitra and another in Hamala. “Make use of any of them to avoid consuming infected meat,” said Director of the Animal Health Control at the Ministry of Works, Municipal Affairs and Urban Planning, Dr Ibrahim Yousef. Meat infected with tuberculosis, pulmonary disease, worms and others can negatively affect human health, the official warned.

Explaining further, he said licensed slaughterhouses adhere strictly to high standards in hygiene and safety by taking veterinary inspections before, during and after the slaughter. Unlicensed slaughterhouses, he said, may not follow medical and hygiene precautions “putting public health at risk.” Licensed abattoirs are capable of detecting and taking preventive measures.

Animal mistreatment is another grave concern, with several incidents reporting last year. Goats were even spotted in a car boot last year in Manama. Reported by an animal rights activist, the incident during Eid Al Adha in August last year caused public outrage.