Transportation of meat, fish

Ministry of Agriculture to control transportation of meat and fish for improving sanitary conditions

The Ministry of Agriculture issued two sets of regulations related to the transportation of fresh, chilled, and frozen meat and fish products within the country.

The regulations state that vehicles used for transporting meat should be registered and should obtain a special permit from the Minister of Agriculture.

When transported in the vehicles, carcasses must be hung (on rails) clear of the floor and spaced to allow cold air circulation. The vehicles must keep carcasses and chilled meat at a temperature between 1 and 6° C, and frozen meat at a temperature between 18 and 20° C below zero throughout the transportation process.

The regulations specified that vehicles used for the transportation of fresh, chilled, or frozen fish should acquire a prior permission from the Minister of Agriculture.

These vehicles must preserve fresh and chilled fish at a temperature between 2 and 4° C, and frozen fish at a temperature between 18 and 20° C below zero throughout the transportation process.

According to the regulations, vehicles used for transporting meat and those used for carrying fish shall not be used for any other purpose. They should be thoroughly washed after being emptied and before being refilled. The regulations stipulated that the inside of the vehicles must be made of corrosion-resistant metal.

Personnel handling the meat or fish during transportation should follow the strictest rules regarding their personal hygiene and clothing.

The two decisions are effective as of January 2012.