By Kenneth Marcos 
As Filipino families prepare for Christmas and New Year feasts, markets grow busier and tables fill with dishes made from pork, chicken, and beef. Behind every festive meal, however, is a shared responsibility—to make sure the meat served is safe for everyone, especially children and the elderly.
This reminder was strongly echoed by Kapitan Hogart in a public advisory urging livestock raisers and meat handlers to strictly observe the withdrawal period of veterinary drugs. The warning comes as meat consumption peaks during the holiday season, when demand often leads to shortcuts in animal care and meat preparation.
Kapitan Hogart stressed that failure to follow the required withdrawal period can result in Veterinary Drug Residue (VDR) remaining in meat. VDR refers to traces of medicines given to animals that stay in their system if slaughtered too soon after treatment. These residues can pose health risks to consumers, including allergic reactions and long-term effects linked to antimicrobial resistance.
“The withdrawal period is not optional. It is a safety rule that protects Filipino families,” Kapitan Hogart said. He added that observing this period allows enough time for medicines to fully leave the animal’s body before it enters the food chain.
Veterinary drugs are commonly used to treat infections and prevent disease in livestock. When used properly and with guidance from licensed veterinarians, these medicines help ensure healthy animals. Problems arise when drugs are misused, overused, or when animals are sold or slaughtered before the withdrawal period ends.
Government agencies, including the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS), have repeatedly warned that meat with drug residues can threaten public health. According to food safety experts, improper use of veterinary drugs contributes to antimicrobial resistance, a growing global concern where common medicines become less effective against infections.
During the holidays, NMIS and local authorities usually intensify meat inspection and monitoring in slaughterhouses, markets, and checkpoints. Inspectors look for signs of unsafe meat, check documents, and ensure that animals processed for food meet safety standards.
Kapitan Hogart called on livestock raisers to act responsibly, reminding them that safe meat also protects their livelihood. “One incident of unsafe meat can damage consumer trust and hurt the entire farming community,” he said.
Consumers were also advised to buy meat only from accredited vendors and public markets with NMIS inspection stamps. These stamps indicate that the meat has passed basic safety checks and comes from registered slaughter facilities.
The advisory is also part of the broader campaign against antimicrobial resistance, which promotes responsible use of medicines in both humans and animals. Health and agriculture officials have long warned that misuse of antibiotics in farming can reduce their effectiveness in treating human diseases.
Biosecurity measures were also emphasized, including proper animal housing, hygiene, and disease prevention. Healthier animals need fewer medicines, reducing the risk of residues and lowering production costs for farmers.
As celebrations draw near, Kapitan Hogart urged everyone—from farmers and traders to consumers—to work together in protecting public health. “Safe meat is everyone’s responsibility. Let us make this holiday season joyful, healthy, and free from preventable risks,” he said.
With awareness, discipline, and cooperation, Filipinos can enjoy their holiday meals with confidence, knowing that the food on their table is safe, clean, and responsibly produced.
Pwersa Balita – Your Trusted Source in Agri News