The meat was being transported for delivery to a supermarket chain when an accident caused the lorry to crash and overturn on the A1 motorway.
Having learned of the accident, ASAE said in a statement that it “travelled to the scene with a veterinary expert who determined that the meat was unfit for human consumption, so it was immediately seized.”
“Subsequently, after contacting the trader, several enquiries were made to find a destination for the seized product, given its high volume and economic value”, ASAE explained, adding: “It was decided, with the agreement of the economic operator and given that the product was fit for animal consumption, to proceed with the delivery of it to Lisbon Zoo, which said that the meat received satisfies their needs and corresponds to more than two month's feed for the animals.”
ASAE says it is “committed, in the context of social responsibility, to the donation of seized goods and materials”, and to raising awareness and developing steps for the goods to be donated instead of destroyed while “always ensuring the good condition of the delivered products.”

A spokesperson for Lisbon Zoo told The Portugal News that "all of the Zoo's felines will benefit from the meat donated by ASAE", for around two months, and that the donation is "important for the Zoo's economy."