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Heat, power cuts risk Eid meat storage

Heat, power cuts risk Eid meat storage

Express Tribune17 hours ago

Deep freezers bought by customers for keeping sacrificial meat are piled up outside the showrooms at Regal Chowk for delivery. Photo: Jalal Qureshi/express
Intense heat and prolonged load-shedding during Eidul Azha have made preserving sacrificial meat a serious concern. Health experts advise drying washed meat thoroughly, cutting it into small portions, and storing it in airtight containers or polythene bags before freezing.
Dr Hilar Sheikh of Jinnah Hospital told Express News that improper drying or delayed freezing can lead to spoilage. He warned against using regular plastic bags, which fail to block freezer gases, causing toxins to form. Repeated freezing and thawing may also cause food poisoning or hepatitis E. In case of outages, storing meat in ice-packed steel or thermocol boxes is advised. Early distribution to the needy is encouraged to avoid waste.

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Nutritionist urges safer meat practices during Eidul Azha celebrations
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Nutritionist urges safer meat practices during Eidul Azha celebrations

Listen to article As red meat takes centre stage during Eidul Azha celebrations, health experts are warning the public to be mindful of their consumption habits to avoid potential health risks, particularly for those with chronic conditions. Professor H. Merve Bayram, head of the Nutrition and Dietetics Department at Istanbul Gelişim University, highlighted the health implications of overeating red meat, urging celebrants to adopt safer cooking and storage practices during the holiday. Health first While red meat is a valuable source of nutrients such as high-quality protein, iron, zinc, phosphorus, and vitamin B12, its saturated fat and cholesterol content make moderation essential. 'Freshly slaughtered meat undergoes rigor mortis, which can make it harder to digest,' Prof Bayram explained. 'It's best to let the meat rest for at least 12 to 24 hours before consumption.' Healthier cooking choices Prof Bayram advised limiting red meat intake to two to three times a week, with portion sizes not exceeding 90 to 120 grams for healthy individuals. The method of preparation is also crucial. 'Avoid frying and sautéing. Opt instead for boiling, baking, or grilling,' she said. Grilling should be done with care. She recommends keeping the meat at least 15–20 centimetres away from the fire. 'Too much heat can char the outside while leaving the inside undercooked, resulting in nutrient loss and potentially harmful compounds,' she warned. Special precautions for chronic conditions People with cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, or other chronic illnesses should be particularly vigilant. Prof Bayram advises avoiding saturated fats like internal and tail fat, and recommends leaner cuts cooked in their own fat without added oil. She also discouraged eating meat on an empty stomach early in the morning. 'Begin the day with a balanced breakfast of whole-grain bread, low-fat cheese, and fresh greens to support digestion,' she suggested. Safe handling and storage Proper storage is equally important during the holiday. Prof Bayram advised dividing meat into meal-sized portions and freezing them immediately. Thawing should be done in the refrigerator, not at room temperature, to avoid contamination. Raw meat, she added, must be kept separate from fruits and vegetables to maintain food safety. Celebrating mindfully Prof Bayram concluded with a reminder that Eid al-Adha is not only a time of sharing and celebration but also an opportunity to promote health-conscious habits. 'Through balanced eating, hygienic practices, and portion control, families can enjoy festive meals while protecting their health,' she said. 'This holiday should be remembered not only for its joy, but also for the care we take in preserving well-being.' Other Experts also advises to avoid fizzy drinks with eating meat cooked in oil and to eat vegetables with every meal.

Heat, power cuts risk Eid meat storage
Heat, power cuts risk Eid meat storage

Express Tribune

time17 hours ago

  • Express Tribune

Heat, power cuts risk Eid meat storage

Deep freezers bought by customers for keeping sacrificial meat are piled up outside the showrooms at Regal Chowk for delivery. Photo: Jalal Qureshi/express Intense heat and prolonged load-shedding during Eidul Azha have made preserving sacrificial meat a serious concern. Health experts advise drying washed meat thoroughly, cutting it into small portions, and storing it in airtight containers or polythene bags before freezing. Dr Hilar Sheikh of Jinnah Hospital told Express News that improper drying or delayed freezing can lead to spoilage. He warned against using regular plastic bags, which fail to block freezer gases, causing toxins to form. Repeated freezing and thawing may also cause food poisoning or hepatitis E. In case of outages, storing meat in ice-packed steel or thermocol boxes is advised. Early distribution to the needy is encouraged to avoid waste.

Muneeb preaches kindness to animals this Eidul Azha
Muneeb preaches kindness to animals this Eidul Azha

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time4 days ago

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Muneeb preaches kindness to animals this Eidul Azha

In a recent Instagram Story, Muneeb Butt shared a video clip of a camel hastily fleeing a busy neighbourhood. "Yes, this happened yesterday," Muneeb wrote, adding that he checked the CCTV footage to confirm what happened prior to the escape. "Some kids were throwing little stones at this poor animal. He broke his cord and ran," he explained. With Eidul Azha just around the corner, the Shiddat actor implored, "Please, teach your kids how to interact with sacrificial animals." Netizens nodded along to Muneeb's statement, agreeing on the importance of treating animals with respect and kindness prior to the slaughter ritual on Eid. One Instagram user asserted that the sentiment should apply even beyond Eid: "Not just sacrificial animals, but with all animals. Raise your children with empathy towards the creation of Allah. It breaks my heart when I see children treating these innocent souls brutally." Another added, "Parents should teach their kids about animal rights." Sacrificial animals have been the talk of the town as of late, since earlier, Alizeh Shah urged netizens to be more sensitive and not share content of animals being slaughtered online. "Every year, I see so much pain on the roads – blood, fear in the eyes of animals, their cries – and my heart breaks," she said, stressing that while animals may not speak, they do have feelings. "They love, they nurture, they form bonds – just like we do. They were created by the same loving God who created us, and to see them suffer so publicly, often with pictures, jokes, and memes shared on social media – it's something I personally find very difficult to digest," she admitted. Alizeh acknowledged that people's intentions are often pure and reverent when it comes to observing religious sacrifice. She emphasised that she does not oppose the act of sacrifice itself, but instead hopes for some empathy this Eidul Azha. Requesting her followers to make this Eid more about the spirit of humility, the Taqdeer actor added, "If it's possible, please be mindful of the images and videos shared online. Some of us are deeply affected by them," she wrote. "Islam teaches mercy, compassion, and dignity – for humans and for animals." Alizeh added that anyone is free to disagree with her, but it personally pains her to watch the animals in such a state. "You may disagree and that's okay. I respect all views," she wrote. "But I had to say this because the silence has been heavy on my heart."

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