The Madagascan Ministry of Livestock organised a conference on Wednesday 10 May, following the controversy caused by suspicions of the use of formaldehyde by certain butchers.

Controversy on social networks

A wind of panic has blown over social networks in recent days in Madagascar. Rumours about the use of formaldehyde by some butchers have been circulating and are worrying consumers. This manoeuvre would have been used by some butchers in order to extend the shelf life of meat that they were unable to sell. Indeed, formaldehyde is a product used to embalm and preserve corpses in morgues. The use of this substance is not a new phenomenon, given the recurrent problems of de-stocking in the Big Island and the decline in the population's purchasing power. Moreover, this product is known to keep flies away while preserving food.

Meat control

Faced with the controversy, the Malagasy Ministry of Livestock held a press conference on Wednesday to reassure consumers. The Deputy Minister of Livestock, Dr Raymond, stressed that the use of formaldehyde on meat is not verified. "Meat for sale on the market is systematically checked by veterinary inspectors," he said, according to the Tribune de Madagascar newspaper. Once the products have been checked, a certificate of conformity and sale is issued. The blue stamp on the meat then certifies that it can be consumed.

Controls in slaughterhouses

According to the Ministry, formaldehyde is only available with a prescription. However, in case of doubt, consumers are asked to inform the competent authorities. When asked about this controversy, the Ministry of Industrialisation, Trade and Consumption (MICC) stated that it was taking the matter very seriously. Trade inspectors then raided the Ankadindratomboa slaughterhouse in Madagascar's capital. They also plan to conduct laboratory analyses on samples of the meat sold. The results will be known in two or three days and may confirm or refute these suspicions, reports the MICC.