The Red Meat Market: A Network of Speculators
Somewhere, it seems we are not yet convinced that consumption is the result of a chain. A chain whose first link is the producer.
Whether it's an agricultural or manufactured product, the process is the same, with a change of stakeholders, of course.
Modernization and Hygiene
We are working to modernize our telecommunications, healthcare system, roads, electrical and water distribution networks, etc.
However, we continue to sacrifice a sheep, a cow, or a camel on a sidewalk, near a butcher shop, almost everywhere without veterinary or sanitary control.
This, in fact, delights millions of tourists who take souvenir photos. It's a shame from all points of view, considering the history of our millennial civilization.
The Problem of Red Meat
All this introduction to remind that the problem of red meat, which is cyclical, regularly returns to the agenda before Ramadan or Eid.
All this because, simply, we have not deigned to take it seriously. Like the problem of deposits and cold rooms fraudulently installed, which now regularly fall, thanks to the establishment of new specialized units of the municipal national guard.
A Question of Network and Cartel
We have regularly supported in our columns that this problem of red meat is a question of network, of a solidly established cartel for years, united and hermetic.
To combat it, we need not visits, but the establishment of an entire organization.
It starts with the application of existing laws and regulations. The slaughter of animals is prohibited outside slaughterhouses and without prior veterinary control. It's simple.
Ignoring Obligations
But these obligations are ignored throughout the territory of the Republic. And this plays into the hands of speculators who have taken control of this sector, locked it down, and firmly put it under their control.
They buy in bulk, impose prices, and no one can do anything about it. Everything goes. Without any scruples for the safeguarding of livestock.
Sheep are the first victims. They are cheaper. Restaurants and mechoui establishments serve them generously to their customers, who are happy with this substitute paid for at a gold price.
And no one reacts.
A Late Reaction
The reaction to what has happened is, in fact, a confirmation that arrives a bit late.
The president of the National Chamber of Butchers, Ahmed Al-Amiri, revealed that the average price of lamb has reached 62 dinars per kilogram, while that of veal (beef) approaches 42 dinars per kilogram.
He added that beef prices will experience an unprecedented increase with the arrival of Ramadan, with the price per kilogram expected to reach 52 dinars at the beginning of the holy month.
The president of the National Chamber of Butchers confirmed that the situation is deteriorating for professionals, particularly due to the persistent phenomenon of unlicensed traders who buy livestock at low prices from breeders to resell to butchers at exorbitant prices.
What Needs to be Done
To take control of the butchers behind whom the body of speculators who control the red meat market is hiding, we will take the first and most important action to control this market.
Let's start by regularizing the establishment of these butcher shops that open side by side almost everywhere, taking hostage the city, the town, the neighborhood, while displaying the same prices.
As if by miracle, they all have the same general expenses. Let's limit the establishment of opening points based on the needs of the places, to put an end to the current chaos.
Let's prohibit the slaughter of animals, in or in front of the establishment, under penalty of immediate and unremitting withdrawal of the patent, and let's verify sanitary and veterinary control.
Finally, let's subject these butcher shops that make a lot of money to the obligation to deliver a properly registered and verifiable invoice.
This is a whole program that is unlikely to disrupt the market. Red meat is currently a luxury product. Until we decide to take care of it.
This cannot be delayed. The consumer awaits this salutary takeover, which can only come from this new constituted body, which has its networks and information.
Kamel GHATTAS
