Cross River State imposes restrictions on hazardous butchering practices by prohibiting the use of tires for roasting meat.

The Cross River State Government has launched a crackdown on the hazardous practice of roasting animal skin with burnt tyres and preserving it with toxic chemicals, a trend that poses severe health risks to consumers.

n

Commissioner for Health, Henry Egbe Ayuk, issued a warning on Tuesday, describing the practice as dangerous, illegal, and a gross violation of public health laws, and vowed that the government would enforce compliance and impose sanctions on offenders.

n

Ayuk highlighted the severe health risks associated with the practice, including cancers, respiratory diseases like asthma and bronchitis, cardiovascular complications, skin and eye irritations, and neurological disorders, which contribute to higher morbidity and mortality rates.

n

The government has threatened to impose sanctions under public health laws and the Environmental Health Practice Regulations (Food Safety Regulations) 2024 on those who fail to comply with the new rules.

n

The Ministry of Health, through its Food Safety and Nutrition Department, has intensified sensitisation and monitoring efforts at major slaughter facilities, including the Marian Market pig and goat sections and the Asiabang cow slaughter unit.

n

Meat handlers have been educated on mandatory hygiene standards, including compulsory medical examinations at government-approved hospitals, provision of adequate toilet facilities, and routine disinfection of premises to check disease vectors.

n

Dr. Obogo Idoko, head of the Food Safety and Nutrition Department, warned that non-compliance with the new rules would attract strict enforcement actions, emphasizing the need for meat handlers to adhere to the regulations.

n

Chairman of the Goat Butchers Association at Marian Market, Mr. Edem Etefia, appealed to the government for assistance in providing water and waste disposal facilities, and assured that members would switch to firewood instead of tyres and plastics.

n

Etefia also pledged that his members would undergo medical screening at approved hospitals and improve sanitation, in a bid to comply with the new regulations.

n

Chairman of the Pig Slaughter Association, Mr. Sixtus Edehe, also pledged better cooperation, despite challenges in accessing approved medical facilities, and expressed commitment to adhering to the new rules.

n

The state government's crackdown aims to safeguard public health and ensure adherence to food safety standards in abattoirs across Cross River, according to officials.