Over 370 Tons of Illegally Imported Meat Seized in Phnom Penh
- By Ou Sokmean
- December 5, 2023 8:00 PM
PHNOM PENH – Authorities from the General Directorate of Animal Health and Production (GDAHP) have seized over 370,000 kilograms of illegally imported frozen meat in a warehouse in Krang Thnong commune, Sen Sok district.
With the coordination of Phnom Penh Municipal Court Deputy Prosecutor Moth Dara, authorities could inspect and confiscate the illegal frozen meat on Dec. 4.
Hun Sarath, deputy director-general of animal health and production said a total of 24, 424 cases of illegal frozen meat were found.
He said the crackdown allowed the authorities to put their hands on 55 tons of frozen chicken tail, over 2 tons of minced chicken, about 1.6 tons of gizzards, over 40 tons of chicken foot, 56 tons of Brazilian pork, 10 tons of Italian pork, over 10 tons of German pork, 6.6 tons of pig ears, over 71 tons of buffalo meat, over 3 tons of buffalo breast, over 5 tons of pig organs and 1.6 tons of frozen pig skin.
Sarath said all of the frozen meat was illegally imported from abroad and stored in a warehouse.
“The warehouse is temporarily closed and requires the owner to show valid documents to the GDAHP, which depends on the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries,” Sarath said.
Srun Pov, the president of the Cambodian Livestock Raisers Association, expressed admiration for this crackdown. He said it reflects the government’s concern for food safety.
During the 19th Government Private Sector Forum, Prime Minister Hun Manet said illegal and unverified imports of frozen meat will not only affect local traders but also harm consumers’ health.
