Four face charges for selling uninspected meat to Calgary businesses

Article content

Four Calgary men face numerous charges that led to the closure of several city halal businesses in April.

An investigation that began last November determined sheep and goats were bought at market and then transported to rural properties in Mountain View, Rocky View and Wheatland counties where they were unlawfully slaughtered, Mounties said Tuesday.

A release states the meat was delivered to stores and residences in Calgary. Beef was also slaughtered but was seized by investigators before it was distributed to businesses.

Article content

“Inspections were completed at the involved farm and store locations which resulted in closure orders issued to seven Halal grocery stores, as well as the revocation of two On-Farm-Slaughter-Licences,” the RCMP release states. “Cleanup orders have been issued for animal remains and unsightliness of some slaughter locations.”

Alberta Health Services issued closure orders to four Calgary grocery stores, a catering service and distribution centre in April after being advised uninspected meat could have been bought and sold at the businesses. AHS later issued a public alert, citing “significant” health risks if the meat was consumed.

The businesses were all allowed to reopen following cleanup and inspection.

It has not been disclosed how much meat might have been sold or where it was distributed.

Raed Alnajar, 48, is charged with failing to have animals inspected prior to slaughter, selling or transporting uninspected meat, and dealing in livestock without being a licensed livestock dealer.

Article content

Alnajar is listed on the Alberta government’s directory of licensed slaughter operations as a mobile butcher.

Also charged with the same offences are Waeel Alhamawi, 35, and Amer Alhamawi, also 35.

Tareq Alhamawi, 41, is charged with selling or delivering uninspected meat.

All four men are scheduled to appear in Alberta Court of Justice in Strathmore on June 24.

Lynn McMullen, a meat microbiologist and University of Alberta professor, told Postmedia diseases carried by animals are the main risk posed by uninspected meat making its way to consumers.

“Animals can have just about any pathogen,” McMullen said in April following the closure orders.

This could include such things as Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, which can kill people, she said. There’s also the risk of salmonella, campylobacter and more.

Alberta sheriffs, Alberta Agriculture, Canadian Food Inspection Agency and Alberta Health Services all assisted in the six-month investigation, RCMP said.

Share this article in your social network