Would You Like One More Ton of Frozen Chicken?
Hundreds of tonnes of meat seized this week after they were allegedly imported illegally were later found to have legitimate documents, the General Department of Customs and Excise says. Photo: GDCE
- By Cambodianess
- December 10, 2023 10:00 AM
Fifty-five tons of frozen chicken tail, more than 2 tons of minced chicken, about 1.6 tons of gizzards, more than 40 tons of chicken feet, 56 tons of Brazilian pork, 10 tons of Italian pork, more than 10 tons of German pork, 6.6 tons of pig ears, more than 71 tons of buffalo meat, more than 3 tons of buffalo breast, more than 5 tons of pig organs and 1.6 tons of pig skin.
In total, 370 tons of illegally imported frozen meat were seized by the authorities in early December in a warehouse in Phnom Penh.
Me, this less than appetizing list spoils my appetite.
On the one hand, I say bravo to the authorities for seizing this astronomical quantity of meat that entered the country’s market without any sanitary control. One feels reassured and protected.
On the other, this information makes me look at my plate with suspicion.
How can I be sure that this piece of beef that garnishes my delicious breakfast stew has not as well crossed the planet to land in my bowl with all those bacteria that are not a pretty sight to look at, let alone safe to eat.
For the 370 tons seized, how many fall through the cracks, one wonders unwillingly?
Finally, maybe it would have been preferable for me to know nothing of this “miraculous catch” of which I dare not imagine the smell that will come off when it defrosts.
Have I also ruined your appetite? Sorry…
