REGIONWIDE -- Consumers can be guaranteed that their food is safe, hygienic, and nutritious through meat inspection. Meat inspection can aid in the detection and prevention of public health risks including food-borne infections or chemical contaminants in food of animal origin through inspections of the live animal, carcass, offal, abattoirs, equipment, people, and transport.

Thus, the Agricultural Training Institute-Central Visayas (ATI-CV) initiated the Basic Meat Inspection Training Course (BMITC) at ATI- CV Training Complex, Cabawan District, Tagbilaran City, Bohol on August 8-31, 2022.

The 20-day activity aimed to (1) Define and discuss NMIS's vision, mission and mandates; (2) Discuss operating meat establishment procedures, environment management, and food defence; (3) Identify the anatomy and physiology; (4) Enumerate and discuss the general principles of disease of food animals; (5) Discuss proper handling of food animals before slaughtering procedures and post meat establishment control; and (6) Enumerate and explain the laws, regulations and other issuances related to meat inspection.

"It is a good opportunity to be included in this training. As a veterinarian, it gives me more learnings as well as a refresher to me, especially the emerging reportable diseases. On the other hand, I am confident I will be a meat inspector as I return to my respective LGU. I learned how to be a competitive inspector. The overall learnings from the training gave me a good insight as a Meat Inspector. The good practices: the cleanliness and hygiene gave me the idea to improve our slaughterhouse and meat stall. Hopefully, we could strictly follow to implement the laws that provide the consumer with healthy and clean meat to the consuming public," shared Dr. Jerome C. Limbaga, a participant from LGU- Carmen, Bohol. 

Vherney C. Cabasag II, Development Management Officer-I ATI-CV discussed the Pregnancy Diagnosis.

In addition, Roseller L. Manolo, Senior Meat Control Officer from the Department of Agriculture – National Meat Inspection Service (DA-NMIS) based at Visayas Ave. Brgy. Vasra, Quezon City explained the Post Meat Establishment Inspection & Enforcement Protocol.

Moreover, Mae Nimfa R. Cruz, Supervising Meat Control Officer from DA-NMIS shared the Meat Science, Beef Primal Cuts, Pork Cuts & Waste Management.

Likewise, Rona Regina I. Reyes, Chief Meat Control Officer from DA-NMIS expounded on the Anatomy and Physiology of Food Animals (Large & Small Ruminant, Hogs, Horse, and Poultry) system; Lymph Node m-Vital Organs.

Additionally, Ma. Liz Calunsag, Meat Inspector III from DA-NMIS spoke about the Meat Inspector, Qualifications of Meat Inspectors, Duties and responStructuresibilities, Meat Inspector's Gadgets & Personal Protective Equipment. 

Furthermore, Hannah Lou C. Ejercito, Meat Inspector III from DA-NMIS VII talked about Meat Microbiology.

Likewise, Shiela S. Cepedoza, Senior Meat Control Officer from DA-NMIS VII explained the Overview of Meat Inspection by the Meat Inspector; Emerging and re-emerging disease Non-infectious diseases & other related conditions of dressing plant concern; Ante Mortem Inspection Procedures Postmortem Inspection Procedures; Certificate of Fitness for Human Consumption.

In addition, Iris Angeli C. David, Meat Inspector III from DA-NMIS VII discussed the Handling & Disposal of Condemned or other Inedible Products & Risk Materials, Meat Safety & Quality Assurance.

Moreover, Jacinto A. Mabulay, Senior Meat Control Officer from DA-NMIS VII talked about the Humane Handling and Slaughter of Food Animals.

"I learnt the value of meat inspection. That training is needed for us to know the other transmittable diseases and the importance of meat hygiene handling, inhumane acts of the food animals and most importantly the anatomy and structure and functions and pregnancy diagnosis. As a future meat inspector, I can see myself being more efficient and effective in my job after the 20 days of training," expressed Ms. Love B. Compra, a participant from LGU-Cebu City, Cebu. 

A total of 21 participants composed of Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) from across the region participated in the activity.