Trade of imported meat

Trade of imported meat

JAKARTA (JP): The City Livestock Office will intensify its control over the trading of imported meat, which is no longer sold only in modern supermarkets, but in traditional markets as well.

Sumitro, head of the office, said on Tuesday that an intensified cooperation with related institutions, including the city-owned slaughter house PD Dharma Jaya, will be made to put the sale of imported meat in order.

"Control is being intensified in response to the facts uncovered by our officers, who have found that imported meat is sold in a number of traditional markets, including Senen and Cikini," Sumitro was quoted by Antara as saying.

He said that he will not hesitate to take stern measures against those who refuse to abide by the existing regulations.

Jakartans consume an average of 800 cows per day, he added, much of which (weighing about 20 tons) consists of imported meat.

Imported meat is usually labeled with the halal (permitted by Islamic law) certificates and is sometimes sold much cheaper than the domestic product, he added. (hhr)