MANILA, Philippines – A humongous total of 263 kilos of what is believed to be from a pig carcass which died from illness have been seized by Manila City Hall meat inspectors Thursday early morning.

Locally known as “botcha” or “double kill” meat products, these baby back ribs are reportedly being sold as “fresh pork” at the New Antipolo public market in Blumentritt Manila. A team of inspectors seized these hot meat after an early morning check.

According to Dr. Nick Santos, chief of the Manila Veterinary Inspection Board (VIB), the meat products were of inferior quality, grayish in color and already having that unsavory smell common to “botcha.”

Clearly, Santos said that the owner of these hot meat violated Republic Act No. 10611 or the Food Safety Act together with Republic Act No. 10536 otherwise known as the Meat Inspection Code of the Philippines.

The suspected meat products were immediately hauled off by the MVIB for condemnation to protect the welfare and health of the buying public. By law, such meat products are condemned thru incineration.

Santos added the board will remain vigilant not only on pork products but on other meat products in public markets as well especially the coming of the Holidays. (Jimmy Mendoza/Benjie Cuaresma/IAMIGO/CNS)