Sacrificial meat storage: Punjab Food Authority issues safety advisory

Punjab Food Authority has advised against long-term storage of sacrificial meat.

DG Punjab Food Authority Asim Javed said that sacrificial meat should not be stored for a long time due to its harmful effects.

He said that meat remains safe at a temperature of minus 18, advising citizens to clean and dry the sacrificial meat thoroughly before freezing it. He said the blood leak from the meat causes bacteria during power outages.

Meanwhile, Eidul Adha draws near, prices of sacrificial animals have soared by 50 to 70% in major cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad. Buyers are expressing frustration as even small animals now cost double compared to last year, with little to no government regulation in place to control pricing.

Last year, a small heifer could be bought for under Rs100,000. This year, even low-weight ones are being sold for over Rs200,000. Middle-income families are finding it increasingly difficult to participate in this religious tradition due to rising costs.