MANGALURU: In the wake of several complaints from citizens, meat stalls that sell mutton in the city have been warned against alleged fraudulent practice of mixing beef with mutton.
Mayor Diwakar warned stringent action against traders if they are found engaged in adulteration of mutton. As part of a drive, the mayor along with corporators and officials conducted an inspection at all mutton stalls in the city and warned them about the consequences.
The mayor said inspection was conducted after several complaints from general public about the illegal trade. Similarly, the action also aims at preventing the possibility of meat adulteration since many vehicles that transport cattle illegally to the city were seized by the police recently.
Inspections were carried out at meat stalls in Urwa Store, Urwa Market and the abattoir in Kudroli. They have been warned that the trade license will be cancelled and criminal cases will be registered in case of violation. Officials have been directed to ensure the slaughterhouses follow rules. Further, the mayor said he also has directed all meat traders to keep register books and enter the purchase and sales quantities regularly.
“Recently, the police seized beef, which was being transported to Mangaluru city from Hassan in a milk delivery van. There were several such instances of cattle being transported to the city illegally from various districts. Similarly, there are many illegal slaughterhouses functioning in the district. Hence, we decided to conduct inspections on all meat stall premises and warn them of stringent action,” the mayor told TOI.
Senior corporator of the BJP, Sudheer Shetty said, “We have requested meat traders not to mix meat of cows and calves along with mutton. Let them sell beef to only those customers who come to buy it. Those who visit the market for mutton must only be given mutton.”