Crooked Meat Retailers Using Dangerous Chemicals To Preserve Meat
Meat Retailers have been using mortuary chemicals to preserve meat as well as to make products look enticing.
The crooked meat retailers argue that it is now difficult to preserve the meat due to ZESA electricity load-shedding which can last as long as 18 hours a day.
According to Sunday Mail, some of these retailers are using chemicals such as formalin used to preserve human corpse to prevent it from decomposing.
The owner of a butcher shop who spoke to the publication confirmed the use of this chemical to preserve meat and mackerel products from going bad because of the ongoing power cuts.
Formalin is being procured from mortuaries via corrupt employees for as little as US$5.
However, a doctor who spoke to the Sunday Mail warned of the effects of consuming the meat tainted with the chemicals. Dr. George Chirimbo, a gastroenterologist warned,
“Formalin can’t be used in large quantities because it is easily detectable and it hardens the meat. I think these butchers and vendors are using small amounts. Consumption will not have an immediate effect on the person. However, if consumption is prolonged, it gets really dangerous,”
Solution of Sodium metabisulfite is also being used on meat to enhance the red color of the meat to make it look fresh.
Sick Cattles are being slaughtered with the meat being sold to the unsuspecting public.
The ZRP has said that they are now on the case with Zimbabwe Republic Police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi saying,
According to the Health Act, it is forbidden to use such substances on meat. It is dangerous for consumers to take meat laced with such chemicals.
