Council confiscates and destroys smuggled meat

On Friday, the City of Masvingo’s Department of Health Services in collaboration with the anti smuggling team intercepted a consignment of smuggled meat (chicken) being transported from South Africa in transit to Harare into the local market.

The meat, which lacked proper veterinary clearance and documentation, was deemed unsafe for human consumption and posed a serious public health risk.

In line with Public Health Act, the meat was confiscated and safely destroyed at Cambria Landfill under the supervision of Council health inspectors and veterinary team.

The importation of meat is illegal as a way to safeguard the community from GMOs and also protect our local market because smuggled goods are usually stollen and do not pay duty so they become so cheap.

Council urges residents and vendors to only source meat from licensed and inspected suppliers to ensure community safety and prevent the spread of disease.

We remain committed to protecting public health through strict enforcement of food safety standards.