RICA warns meat buyers, traders on quality assurance

By Isabella IRADUKUNDA Elisabeth

The Ministry of Trade and Industry (MINICOM) in collaboration with Rwanda Inspectorate, Competition and Consumer Protection Authority (RICA) on Tuesday, May 17, 2022 launched a month-long awareness campaign on Meat Value Chain

Themed “Safe and quality meat for all”, this campaign aims at raising awareness of meat value chain operators and stakeholders on compliance with standards and regulatory requirements.

Speaking to the Media, RICA’s Acting Director General Ms. Uwumukiza Beatrice explained that “the campaign on quality meat assurance is aimed at sensitizing people to eat quality meat and that it will focus on compliance with the quality guidelines for meat traders in order to achieve better quality and safety for consumers.”

“We want Rwandans to be aware of the quality of the meat value chain, to make sure that they meet the desired quality, to know whether the meat is exported or imported, and for traders to make sure that they satisfy the growing market.” She added.

Ms. Uwumukiza revealed that the meats from Rwanda usually reach international markets, especially in neighboring countries, which is why there is a need to improve the quality.

According to RICA, by complying with standards and regulatory requirements, an emphasis is put on meat traceability and hygienic practices in order to increase competitiveness while unlocking new business opportunities on both domestic and regional markets.

Mr. Gaspard Simbarikure, RICA’s Licensing Officer, said it is appropriate for buyers to ask traders for meat quality papers before buying any type of the meat.

“The proof that RICA-certified meat is a stamp of approval accompanied with a certificate, it is up to the buyers to ask for these documents that accompany the meat from the slaughterhouse and make sure that they have the RICA’s trademark,” he said.

This National Meat safety and quality Campaign will also provide a unique opportunity for industry operators and stakeholders to reflect on concrete strategies and needed infrastructures among benefits.