The Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) through the Veterinary Service Department has disclosed that the service will soon shut down all illegal slaughter houses in the country.
According to the Department, the service is currently engaging with the various stakeholders in the meat processing industry and when that is done the enforcement will begin.
The department said this has become necessary because there are many illegal slaughterhouses currently operating without the requisite permit and all these are aimed at ensuring food safety in the country.
Briefing journalists about the mandate of the Department in Accra during a media engagement, the Risk Communication Officer of the Veterinary Service Department, Dr. Benjamin Kissi Sasu said the service has recorded some discrepancies in media reportage in relation to the outbreak of diseases and sometimes does not even know the right source of authority to contact during such circumstances.
Dr. Sasu said the Department is mandated to ensure stable animal health through the provision of quality animal health care services by both public and private sector veterinary practitioners to enhance livestock, poultry and companion animals’ production and productivity.
It also ensures public health education, controls the spread of respiratory diseases and ensures food safety.
He added that the Department is currently working on reforms to regulate the sector and change the laws to conform with the current trend and when that is completed, the service would not allow the construction and operation of any slaughterhouse without permit.
Again, the officer said the modern trend of using passenger vehicles and motorbikes to carry meat to market areas would be banned.
“When it comes to issues of regulation on import and export of animal, animal food and products there are certain laws and requirements one need to fulfil before movement can be done,” he stated.
He said going forward, these laws are going to be strictly enforced to ensure food safety and wholesomeness.
Dr. Sasu further appealed to consumers to always do due diligence on the certifications of the abattoirs and permits before buying from them.