During the holy Buddhist months of the lunar calendar, Buddhists refrain from eating meat and release animals back into the wild to gain merits. In anticipation of the meat ban during such months, people hoard meat items at home. However, health officials have raised concerns about the potential dangers of consuming stored and frozen meat. They warn that such practices can lead to food poisoning and even life-threatening conditions like nerve paralysis due to the formation of mycotoxins.
Starting Wednesday, all meat shops across the country will remain closed for a month to observe Saga Dawa, a highly auspicious month in the Bhutanese lunar calendar.
One of the most common beliefs is that all actions made in the month of Saga Dawa are multiplied.
The days leading up to the ban are lucrative for meat shops, as people rush to buy meat in large quantities to stock up for the entire month.
However, health officials say stored frozen meat can be considered less healthy because it may contain preservatives, lose some nutrients during freezing, and sometimes harbor harmful bacteria if not stored or thawed properly.
Dieticians say that meat items can be safely stored and consumed for six months only if they are appropriately stored within the temperature range of at least -18 degrees Celsius.
“Concerning our country’s context, since we don’t have well-established cool chain systems for food persevering systems if we do not maintain all those prerequisites of storing meats, it says that microorganisms start growing and multiply as soon as the animal is slaughtered. As early as possible, if the meat item is preserved or frozen, we can minimise the risk of microbacterial contamination,” said Prem Kumar Neopanay, head dietician at JDWNRH.
He said if meats are not stored in a separate deep freezer, the chances of microbial contamination of meat are high if stored for a longer duration. He added that though household refrigerators which usually come with a freezing compartment can be set at -18 degrees Celsius, it is not recommended for storing meat for a longer duration as the opening of the door can fluctuate its temperature.
He said household refrigerators can store meat for up to a week if set at -18 degrees Celsius while the fridge compartment can store up to two to four days.
“If the stored and freezing meat items are not maintained under -18 degrees Celsius, there are safety issues. It can cause very severe, life-threatening food poisoning if meat items are contaminated by moulds, yeasts and fungus. That can cause and generate neurotoxins which can destroy our nervous system and sometimes it can be very fatal,” added Prem.
He said if people choose not to take meat during the meat-free months, there are other healthy vegetarian diets available. Studies and nutritional recommendations worldwide suggest consuming at least 90 grammes of protein per day, and meat is just one component of that.
In Bhutan, dieticians recommend taking legumes, lentils, soya chunks and dairy products among others for people to refrain from taking meat during the holy months.
Sonam Pelkid (Intern)
Edited by Kipchu
