Rwanda National Police

Police has reminded those that are into beef trade that anyone found transporting meat in unhygienic and unlawful way will face penalties as the law states.

The force said the standard and hygienic transport and packaging of meat should be respected to prevent contamination.

The call came after police in Kamonyi District intercepted one Samuel Kamugisha transporting 200kg of meat in a Toyota Hilux with plate number RAA 155 S – yet the vehicle isn’t meat to transport meat. 

According to the police, Kamugisha had packed the meat in sacks and was bound to Kigali. 

Reacting to the seizure, the Southern region police spokesperson, Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Emmanuel Kayigi said; “there are hygienic standards regarding how meat should be handled, packed and transported, including specific vehicles and this is what Kamugisha lacked; that’s why legal actions were taken against him including fines as the law prescribes.”

A Ministerial Order on transport and trade of meat of specifies that the transport of fresh chilled or frozen meat for food purposes has to be transported in a manner that it is not visible from outside, properly covered and protected against the sun, rain, mud, dust and flies.

The meat has to be transported in closed vans, separated from the driver, internally covered with galvanized brass or any other stainless material.

The Ministerial Order also states that the upper part of the van transporting meat should have rails to facilitate the handling of meat. In addition, its interior layout shall allow daily cleaning using water with detergent, and that people employed in the transportation of meat should wear washable overcoats and hats, and be properly shod.

CIP Kayigi also warned against illegal slaughter and called on people to buy meat only from licenced and hygienic butcheries.