Tons of 'ayam bangkai' confiscated

BOGOR: Bogor Agricultural Agency has confiscated 1.7 tons of ayam bangkai (chickens that die before slaughter), in Bogor and Anyar markets during raids from Nov. 29 until Dec. 2.

The agency's veterinary health department chief, Herlien, said that there were three areas in Bogor regency, namely Parung, Petir Dermaga and Sukadamai Tanah Sereal, which usually supply such chicken meat.

He said that during the first raid in the two markets, 450 kilograms of ayam bangkai were confiscated. During the second raid, 300 kilograms were seized from Bogor market. And during the third raid in Bogor market, 950 kilograms were seized.

According to him, during the raids the ayam bangkai traders always left the unfresh meat and managed to escape arrest.

"The meat should be dumped or destroyed, but they (the traders) cook and season it to avoid buyers noticing its lack of freshness when its sold at the markets," he said, adding that most of the chicken died of various diseases.

He said that besides the meat being unhealthy, it was also forbidden in Islam.--JP