More than 35,000 heads of livestock and 6,000 tonnes of meat have been imported into the kingdom in preparation for Eid Al Adha, a top official has stated.
According to Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Ministry’s assistant under-secretary for agriculture and animal wealth affairs Asim Abdulla, a comprehensive plan aimed at ensuring the availability of livestock and meat in local markets during the upcoming holidays has been implemented.
This is in addition to strengthening veterinary and health oversight throughout all stages of importation, slaughter and distribution, thereby contributing to the protection of public health and food safety.
“Approximately 32,642 sheep, 2,429 cattle and 130 camels have been imported, in addition to 2,014 tonnes of chilled and frozen red meat and 4,226 tonnes of chilled and frozen poultry meat,” said Mr Abdulla. “Additional shipments are also expected to arrive over the coming days to meet the increasing demand for meat during Eid Al Adha.
“The ministry, in co-ordination with qualified traders and importers, has ensured the diversification of import sources and the opening of multiple supply channels from a number of countries.
“This is to enhance the stability of the local market and to ensure the availability of sufficient quantities of livestock and meat in accordance with approved health and veterinary requirements.”
Mr Abdulla added that the veterinary and technical teams affiliated with the sector began their field preparations at an early stage.
A plan has been prepared to cover abattoirs and licensed slaughter sites through the provision of specialist veterinarians and technician.
These specialists will supervise inspection and examination procedures for animals and carcasses before-and-after slaughter, in order to ensure their safety and suitability for human consumption.
“Slaughtering operations will take place at licensed and approved abattoirs, including the Hamala Abattoir and the Bahrain Livestock Company abattoir in Sitra,” said Mr Abdulla.
“All slaughtering activities are subject to direct supervision by licensed and experienced veterinarians.”
“The ministry will continue to carry out round-the-clock inspection activities at various official entry points across the kingdom, including the Khalifa Bin Salman Port, Bahrain International Airport and the King Fahad Causeway, to monitor imported consignments.”
“These are subjected to laboratory testing and the necessary health procedures to ensure compliance with the veterinary requirements in force in Bahrain. Veterinary quarantine facilities represent a key pillar in protecting animal welfare and public health.”
Finally, Mr Abdulla praised the co-operation of traders, importers and licensed abattoirs in complying with regulatory and health requirements.
He stated that they contribute to the smooth flow of import and distribution operations and the provision of meat and livestock in the required quantities during Eid.
He also called on citizens and residents to adhere to slaughtering at licensed abattoirs and approved locations and to avoid random slaughtering practices due to the health and environmental risks they may pose.
He also stated that monitoring and inspection campaigns will continue throughout Eid to ensure compliance with approved requirements.
Meanwhile, Bahrain Chamber Food Sector Committee chairman Khalid Al Amin affirmed that the local market is also witnessing an abundance in the supply of vegetables, fruits and various food commodities.
He explained that market activity is proceeding at a regular pace without any notable shortages in essential commodities, as part of the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
Mr Al Amin said that the available quantities of food commodities are sufficient to meet the needs of consumers and stressed that the local market remains stable.
This is despite regional geopolitical challenges such as rising shipping costs, delays in some shipments from exporting countries and changes in maritime and air transport markets.
He also stated that he had held a series of meetings with Central Market rice merchants, where the traders confirmed the ‘continued availability of rice in sufficient quantities and at stable prices accessible to all’.
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