ZAMBOANGA CITY — The roasting of pigs and cattle by licensed “lechoneros” in this city will soon be centralized with the construction of the city government-owned PHP6.5-million roasting facility.
City Veterinarian, Dr. Mario Arriola, said Wednesday the facility, set for completion by the end of the month, will ensure that roasted pigs and cattle have passed meat inspection and safe for human consumption.
Arriola said the domestic roasting of pigs or “lechon” and cattle will no longer be allowed once the facility is completed and operational. He said the roasting facility is co-located at the city government-owned slaughterhouse, a Double “A” abattoir, in Barangay San Roque.
He explained that previously, domestic roasting was allowed in residences due to the absence of such a facility at the slaughterhouse.
He said there are 24 licensed lechoneros in the city.
Violators, or those found roasting pigs at home, will be penalized pursuant to the city’s meat inspection ordinance of January 2017, he warned.|
The fines range from PHP3,000 to PHP5,000 plus confiscation of items and suspension of business, and cancellation for third offense.(Teofilo Garcia, Jr/PNA)
