263 kilos of ‘botcha’ meat seized from Manila market

At least 263.3 kilos of pork ribs believed to be “botcha,” or meat taken from an animal that had died of a disease, were seized from a market in Manila on Thursday.

During a routine inspection around 3 a.m. at the New Antipolo Market near Blumentritt Street, members of the Manila Veterinary Inspection Board (VIB) noticed that the pork on display emitted a “foul odor” and had noticeable discoloration.

VIB chief Nick Santos added that the meat was also “improperly handled and stored” in violation of the Food Safety Act and Meat Inspection Code of the Philippines. The VIB team was accompanied by members of the National Meat Inspection Service.

“The VIB Enforcement Squad is intensifying its campaign against unscrupulous individuals who will take advantage of the Christmas season [to conduct] illegal activities, victimizing the consuming public, particularly Manileños,” Santos said.