Mozambique: Nearly 300 kilograms of unfit meat seized in Maputo markets

Mozambican authorities have seized nearly 300 kilograms of beef unfit for human consumption in just a few days at two markets in the capital, as part of reinforced food safety inspections, it was announced today. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Environment and Fisheries (MAAP), the seizures result from strengthened sanitary inspection actions carried out by the National Directorate of Sanitary and Biosafety (DINASAB). The latest of these operations, according to information released this afternoon, took place on Friday at the Zimpeto market on the outskirts of Maputo, involving more than 200 kilograms of beef deemed unfit for human consumption.

The government stated that the seizure forms part of an ongoing operation to combat the sale of meat from illegal or unsupervised sources. It follows another operation carried out two days earlier at the Xipamanine market, Maputo’s largest informal market, which resulted in the seizure and incineration of 91.5 kilograms of beef. “At the site, the products were in an advanced state of deterioration, without veterinary inspection stamps or documentation proving their origin and approval for human consumption, and were immediately removed from circulation for posing a serious risk to public health,” the statement said.

The ministry emphasised that “teams remain in the field and inspections continue in a systematic and continuous manner,” urging the public to exercise caution when purchasing animal products. It also recommended buying meat only from authorised and properly inspected locations, assuring that inspections will continue rigorously to protect public health and ensure food safety for the population.