AL-KHOBAR — Sheep prices have exceeded SR2,000 a head, along with an increase in prices for poultry and fresh fish. This has forced families, especially in the low income group, to turn to cheaper frozen meat. However, frozen packaging often does not indicate the source. It only names the exporting country. Consumers have also become wary of the methods used to transport and store frozen meat in some supermarkets. In the complete absence of monitoring by the concerned authorities, their worries have compounded. They are wary of meat served at restaurants, especially with the recent discovery of ground beef mixed with horse meat in some countries that are considered to have very strict regulations. Consumers are questioning the role of the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) and the Ministry of Commerce in enlightening consumers about frozen meats. They should be cautious in buying meat from shops that do not provide appropriate storage. It is also important that frozen meat packages indicate the contents. Dr. Ibrahim Al-Mehaizei, Deputy Chief Executive of SFDA, rebutted rumors that frozen meat has lower nutritional value. He said the nutritional value is linked to the freezing process and storage. In addition, defrosting should be a slow process so that frozen meat do not lose its cellular fluids that contain a high level of proteins, minerals and vitamins. He pointed out that the SFDA is a monitoring body responsible for all imported foodstuff. It is also responsible for licensing foreign firms to export their products to the Kingdom. The SFDA ensures that these firms have the necessary equipment and manpower to produce disease-free meat. It also ensures that meat is prepared according to standard specifications. Dr. Al-Mehaizei added that the SFDA inspectors examine the documents accompanying the shipments at the ports. If inspectors realize that the temperature during the shipping was not satisfactory, the shipment will be destroyed. The SFDA has impressed upon the importers to rectify the situation, and it has reflected positively on imported frozen meat. In a previous statement, the SFDA assured that it is continually following up the incidents of ground beef mixed with horse meat, ever since cases of the type were discovered in several European countries. Dr. Khalifah Al-Saad, director of the environment health at the Eastern Province Municipality, said frozen meat shipments are examined by the customs authorities. The municipality's role, he said, is to inspect warehouses and the sales outlets to ensure that it is stored properly. He added that the SFDA is responsible for preventing imports of horse meat into the Kingdom as it has the necessary laboratories for this purpose. The municipality, he said, will be ready to assist once its laboratory is equipped and is functional, which is expected soon.
