The Federal Capital Territory Administration on Tuesday maintained that the use of rickety vehicles and motorcycles in the haulage of meat remain banned in the territory.
The Administration explained that the new meat haulage policy was aimed at safeguarding the residents and visitors to the FCT from cholera outbreak and food contamination, which have been observed in some neighbouring states of the federation.
The new policy, which became effective on November 6, 2012, requires the use of dedicated meat vans and special purpose-made tricycles with meat haulage compartment for the movement of meat in the Federal Capital City, Area Councils and Satellite Towns.
The tricycle meat vans are to convey meat to distances not more than 3 kms from the slaughter points while the four-wheel meat vans are to serve longer distances.
The FCTA disclosed that the implementation of the new policy followed meticulous sensitisation meetings with the Abattoir Drivers Cooperative Societies and other stakeholders on the benefits of the new policy.
The Administration said in a statement: “The FCT Administration wishes to inform the public that the reforms being undertaking in the meat haulage business is in the overall interest of the residents. The previous means of hauling meat in rickety vehicles and motorcycles in FCT are no longer acceptable. They pose numerous health hazards to residents arising from contamination of the meat.
“The specifications for acceptable vehicles required for meat transportation are solely through the Dedicated Meat Vans and special purpose-made tricycles with meat haulage compartment. The internal coverings of the meat compartment of the vehicles are stainless steel sheets. This is to ensure non-metal contamination of the meat.”
The FCT Administration warned that it would not be blackmailed by any organisation or group of persons to review a law to safeguard the residents of the FCT.
It advised any organisation or group of persons interested in the meat haulage business to comply with the new policy guiding meat transportation in the FCT.
“The importance of consumption of hygiene food in improving the quality of life of the populace cannot be overemphasized. Meat, being a perishable produce, must be handled right or it may endanger the public health,” the Administration further stated.
It urged the Nigeria Police, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, the Abuja Environmental Protection Board, the Federal Road Safety Corps and the Directorate of Road Traffic Services to enforce the new meat haulage regulation in territory.
It noted that the effective enforcement of the regulation was an important thrust in ensuring best practices in meat handling in the FCT.
Trending
- Hajj 2024: NAHCON describes Gov. Uzodinma as pillar of support
- TUC wants FG to pay wage award for March, April
- Suspension of Dana Air hasty, punitive — Flight Dispatchers
- Ferry deaths: CILT raises alarm as over 300 die in one year
- Smuggled explosives: Customs hands over 6,240 dynamites to DSS
- Anambra: NSCDC arrests eight illegal private guards, recovers weapons
- Health Workers Week: Stakeholders suggest way out of declining workforce
- Review of: ‘Till My Change Comes,’ by Motunrayo Olumakaiye