Rwanda National Police

Police in Nyarugenge District, yesterday, seized 280 kilograms of meat that were being transported contrary to set hygienic standards.

Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Emmanuel Kayigi, the Central region Police spokesperson, said that the vehicle Toyota Land Cruiser RAA 412R was intercepted by the security night patrol in Rwagitanga Village of Nyakabanda Cell, Nyakabanda Sector in wee hours of Tuesday morning.

“The meat was packed in sacs and plastic buckets, which is against hygienically accepted standards,” CIP Kayigi said.

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 the 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.

The beef, according to the spokesperson, belonged to one Gervais Dukuzumuremyi, 38, a meat dealer in Kigali.

“We followed this lead and searched Dukuzumuremyi house where we also found other quantities of beef stored in unhygienic place, which was also seized,” said CIP Kayigi.

“Meat dealers will not be allowed to compromise quality and hygiene standards, which put people’s health at risk” noted CIP Kayigi.

Close to 100kgs had gone bad due to poor storage and transportation process, according to Fred Namanya, the veterinary officer for Nyarugenge District.

“We tested the meat and we found that about 100kgs had gone bad and not for human consumption and it was disposed of,” Namanya said.

According Namanya, meat should be fit for consumption if it has not exceeded 16 hours from the hour of slaughter.

“Meat being transported for sale must show a certificate of origin from a certified veterinary officer,” he emphasized.