Imported Meat And Meat Products: Are They Safe?

Ketty G. S. L., Mohammad Razli A. R. and Marzuki Z.

Issues on the safety and quality of imported meat and meat products have always been a concern worldwide especially for importing countries. In Malaysia, a significant increase in importation trends in cattle for slaughter which has subsequently increased cost, insurance and freight (CIF) value of import from RM44.35 million in year 2011 to RM211.393 million in year 2015. The Malaysian government has a responsibility in ensuring that the meat and meat products of animal origin are hygienic, healthy, and wholesome as well as suitable for human consumption. Inspection of the disease status of the importing country as well as sanitary and phytosanitary aspect of meat and meat products at processing plants is overseen by the Veterinary Inspection Section, Department of Veterinary Malaysia with the help of Malaysian Department of Islamic Development (Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia), JAKIM on Halal aspect. Mandatory inspection of the importing country is a requirement. Application methods to import meat and meat products is as stated in APTVM 17(c): 1/2011 and the inspection of the abattoir and processing plants is as stated in the APTVM 23 (h): 1/2014. Therefore, meat inspection is an important requirement to ensure that consumers receive safe, wholesome and halal food.