English
Kinyarwanda
Rwanda National Police (RNP) has advised all those dealing in beef business to follow the set safety standards. Those who go contrary to health, transportation and trade of meat standards will face the law.
The warning follows an operation on Tuesday in Kinazi Sector of Ruhango District where two motorcyclists were found transporting meat in “unlawful and unhealthy conditions.”
Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Sylvestre Twajamahoro, the Police spokesperson for the Southern region, said that at about noon on Tuesday, Police and local leaders were called by residents of Kinazi cell in Kinazi sector reporting people, who transport meat in unhealthy conditions using motorcycles.
“During the operation, two motorcycles transporting meat in sacks were trailed; however, one of them abandoned the motorcycle and the meat, and run away. The other managed to flee. The impounded motorcycle RC 817Z was carrying 80kgs of meat packed in sacks,” CIP Twajamahoro said.
“There are set standards related to the whole meat business including transportation and packaging, which must be followed.”
The Ministerial Order n°013/11.30 of 18/11/2010 on transport and trade of meat, particularly article 2 stipulates that “…the transport of fresh chilled or frozen meat for food purpose shall be carried in such a manner to not be seen from outside. The meat shall be properly covered and protected against the sun, rain, mud, dust, and flies.”
Article 3 of the same order states that motor-vehicle transportation of fresh, chilled or frozen, non-packed meat shall use closed vans, separate from the driver, internally covered with galvanized brass or any other stainless material. At its upper part, the van shall be provided with rails to facilitate the handling of meat. In addition, its interior layout shall allow daily cleaning using water with detergent.
In article 4, people employed in the transportation of meat shall be wearing washable overcoats and hats, and properly shod.
CIP Twajamahoro thanked residents, who provided information on the illegal practices, which pose health risks to people, and called for continued partnership against such practices.
