Sans advisory, meat shop owners in city continue sale

Deepankar Sharda

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, December 18

Despite the bird flu threat loomimg large in Chandigarh, local meat shops were seen doing usual business here. “The flu has not affected our business. The business is going on as usual. Every Thursday, our sale remains a bit low. Although it has nothing to do with the ‘flu’ scare” said Vijay Kumar, president of the Meat Market Association, Sector 21.

He further said, “We have not received any advisory from the UT Administration or the Health Department. We prepare the meat in clean surroundings. Our major supply comes from poultry farms located near Baddi, so our business has nothing to do with the flu. However, we are ready to take any preventive measure while keeping in mind the health of the general public” said Kumar.

Residents here were seen taking precautionary steps while purchasing poultry products. “We are purchasing fish rather mutton or chicken. Although, the flu has nothing to do with it, we are just playing said” said Pritam Kapur, a resident. Another buyer added, “We always purchased frozen meat. However, after the flu news hit the headline, we are avoiding buying poultry products” said Shrilender.

On the other hand, different meat-shacks, located in different parts of Chandigarh, were also seen running their business as usual. However, most of them were not aware of the goose testing positive of the bird flu. “These days consumers prefer to buy fish and cook on their own, so I don’t think our business will be affected” claimed Sonu, a shopkeeper of Mani Majra.