Okapuka conditionally reopened

Even though approval has been given from the Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS) to conditionally reopen the Okapuka feedlot, Meatco says it is not satisfied with the conditions and has therefore not started slaughtering at the feedlot.

The Director of Veterinary Services, Dr Milton Maseke confirmed that approval had been given to conditionally reopen the feedlot on 30 September.

However, he stressed that this means that cattle from the Okapuka feedlot are allowed to be slaughtered but that the meat products are not allowed to be sold or marketed to any of Namibia''s established markets such as the European Union, Hong Kong, China, the USA, as well as the local markets.

Maseke explained that if Meatco can identify a market to take these products to, the company will have to first bring this to the directorate and specify the conditions before any sales can be approved.

However Meatco says that even though the feedlot has been conditionally reopened they have not slaughtered any cattle.

Asked what options the company is investigating as the feedlot is restricted to selling and marketing the meat products from the Okapuka feedlot, she said that they cannot pronounce themselves on this as they are not satisfied with the conditions.

Meanwhile Maseke told Namibian Sun that the first samples for the testing of zeneraol at the feedlot have already been sent to Italy.

He said that should the results come back and indicate that the feedlot is compliant, it will be reopened.

The company was informed that DVS has closed the feedlot because it committed a violation/repeat infringement due to zeneraol being detected twice within a period of 12 months.



ELLANIE SMIT