The Rivers State Government has warned butchers and abattoir operators against using vehicle tyres, plastic materials and harmful chemicals to process meat for public consumption.

The government said anyone found engaging in such practices would face arrest and prosecution as part of efforts to protect residents from unsafe meat.

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It also directed all slaughterhouses operating across the state to register with the Ministry of Agriculture for validation and closer monitoring.

The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr Mercy Iboroma, issued the warning during a briefing at the State Veterinary Hospital in Rumuodomaya, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, on Friday.

Represented by the Director of Veterinary Services, Dr Godsawill Ukoikpkoko, Iboroma said the measures were necessary to enforce food safety standards and prevent harmful practices in the meat processing sector.

Ukoikpkoko disclosed that meat inspection officers had been deployed to slaughterhouses across the state to monitor compliance.

He described the use of tyres and plastics to roast meat as both unethical and illegal, warning that exposure to harmful substances could lead to serious health consequences.

He also raised concerns over the use of chemicals to process animal hides and skin, popularly known as ponmo, noting that some of the substances were originally intended for the leather industry.

The director said the government would enforce the Rivers State Meat Inspection and Sales Law, Cap 86 No. 2 of 1999, to address the practices.

He warned that offenders would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with existing laws.

The ministry also announced additional measures to prevent diseased animals and unsafe livestock products from entering the state.

Under the new directives, slaughtering must not begin without the approval and supervision of certified meat inspection officers.

Ukoikpkoko further stated that slaughterhouses must commence operations no earlier than 7am to allow proper inspection of meat, while slaughtering activities would be prohibited on Sundays.

He added that livestock must be transported to slaughterhouses in vehicles rather than driven on foot, while all meat handlers would be required to undergo medical fitness examinations every two years.

The government also directed operators to pay applicable meat inspection fees into designated government accounts before slaughtering activities.

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According to the ministry, the measures form part of its renewed commitment to improving food safety standards and addressing public health concerns across the state’s red meat value chain.