Double-dead meat facts for kids

Double-dead meat is a term used in the Philippines for meat that comes from animals that have died because of disease. This kind of meat is not safe to eat. When an animal like a pig dies from sickness, the right way to handle its body is to bury it or burn it.

Another term you might hear is hot meat or botcha. This refers to meat that was killed and sold illegally. It might not be from a diseased animal, but it hasn't been checked properly for safety.

What is Double-Dead Meat?

Double-dead meat comes from pigs that died from a disease. People then illegally cut up these animals to sell their meat. You can often tell this meat apart because it has a dark skin. Also, the hairs on the skin might still be stuck to the fat, even after being dipped in boiling water.

Hot meat is a bit different. It might be safe to eat, but it hasn't passed the necessary health and safety checks. This means it wasn't inspected by experts.

Why is it Dangerous?

Eating double-dead meat is very risky for your health. It can make you sick with things like diarrhea or food poisoning.

You can often spot double-dead meat because it looks pale. It might even have a greenish-gray color. It often feels sticky and smells bad. Sometimes, it feels very cold, which means it has been frozen to hide its poor quality. This meat is usually sold at a much lower price than fresh, safe meat.

For example, in December 2008, there was a lot more checking for double-dead meat. This was because a virus called Reston ebolavirus was found on some farms in Bulacan. Since it was Christmas time, many people wanted to buy meat, so authorities had to be extra careful.

What Happens to Illegal Meat?

Selling double-dead meat is against the law in the Philippines. There are strict rules, like the Meat Inspection Code and the Consumer Act. If someone breaks these laws, they can face serious trouble. They might have to pay a large fine, usually between Php 1,000.00 and Php 10,000.00. They could also go to jail for at least six months, or even up to five years.

The National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) is a special group. Their job is to watch over the meat industry. They check everything from where animals are killed to where the meat is sold in markets. They can take away any meat products that don't meet their safety rules.

If someone is caught selling illegal meat, they will be told to stop immediately. Their meat products are taken away and buried. This stops anyone from getting the meat back and trying to sell it again. Some cities, like Quezon City, are even planning tougher rules. They want to take away the business permits of sellers who break the law.

How Authorities Catch It

Television shows sometimes help to expose illegal meat sellers. For instance, an episode of Bitag, a TV program that investigates crimes, looked into a case of hot meat sales in Bulacan. After the investigation, the police quickly raided the suspected place where the meat was being processed.