C’River cracks down on unsafe meat processing with tyre-roasting ban

…roasting meat with Tyre, dangerous – Commissioner 

By Ike Uchechukwu, CALABAR 

 The Cross River State Government has declared a decisive war on the hazardous practice of roasting animal skin, popularly known as “kpomo,” with burnt tyres and preserving it with toxic chemicals such as formalin.

Commissioner for Health, Henry Egbe Ayuk, who issued the warning on Tuesday , described the trend among some butchers as dangerous, illegal and a gross violation of public health laws.

Ayuk listed severe health risks associated with the practice to include cancers, respiratory diseases like asthma and bronchitis, cardiovascular complications, skin and eye irritations, as well as neurological disorders, all contributing to higher morbidity and mortality rates.

He vowed that the government would not relent in enforcing compliance, stressing that offenders would face sanctions under public health laws and the Environmental Health Practice Regulations (Food Safety Regulations) 2024.

The Ministry of Health, through its Food Safety and Nutrition Department headed by Dr. Obogo Idoko, has ramped up sensitisation and monitoring at major slaughter facilities, including Marian Market pig and goat sections, and the Asiabang cow slaughter unit.

Meat handlers were educated on mandatory hygiene standards, including compulsory medical examinations at government-approved hospitals, provision of adequate toilet facilities, routine disinfection of premises to check disease vectors, and the use of clean, safe water for processing.

Dr. Idoko warned that non-compliance would attract strict enforcement actions.

Reacting, Chairman of the Goat Butchers Association at Marian Market, Mr. Edem Etefia, appealed for government assistance in providing water and waste disposal facilities. 

He assured that members would switch to firewood instead of tyres and plastics, undergo medical screening at approved hospitals, and improve sanitation.

On his part ,Chairman of the Pig Slaughter Association, Mr. Sixtus Edehe, also pledged better cooperation despite challenges with accessing approved medical facilities.

The state government said the crackdown aims to safeguard public health and ensure adherence to food safety standards in abattoirs across Cross River.