Zimbabweans could be buying unhealthy meat - Parliament

Private abattoirs could be selling meat that does not meet health standards, compromising people's health , a Parliamentary committee has hinted

The portfolio committee on Lands, Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development chaired by Zanu-PF MP for Muzarabani South, Christopher Chitindi said "There is a high possibility that private abattoirs are selling meat that does not meet health and safety standards.

"As a result, consumers may be exposed to eating meat and related products that are not safe for human consumption," it warned.

"A cartel has developed within the trading of cattle and marketing of meat and related products locally. The cartel comprises family-owned businesses with self-serving interests," the committee observed.

"In the process, vulnerable livestock owners are being forced to sell their cattle at sub-economic prices. CSC does not have the capacity to compete with them or bring sanity in the trading and marketing of meat and related products on the local market."