Risk Assessment at a Large Slaughterhouse in Comparison with a Small One

Abstract

The present study involves a comparison between risks associated between large and small slaughterhouses in Egypt to identify the hazards and to evaluate the risks associated for improvement. The study depended on the visual observations and Bacterial examination which include, anaerobic, Staphylococcus aureus and coliform counts, as well as isolation of Salmonella and Escherichia coli O157:H7 before and after correction using food grades acetic, benzoic and Lactic acids with three different concentrations for each (0.5%, 1 % and 1.5%) in the presence of organic matter. Initially by visual inspection it was observed that the degree of contamination was higher in large slaughterhouse while the possibilities of cross-contamination were higher in small slaughterhouse. Bacterial investigations showed that risks were higher in El-Monieb slaughterhouse than El-Warak slaughterhouse. After using of decontaminants at 1% concentration without removing of debris and organic matters, the aerobic, anaerobic, Staphylococcus aureus and coliform counts, Salmonellae and E. coli 0157:H7 were significantly reduced in both slaughterhouses with no differences between the different types of acids used. Applications of acids at critical points throughout the slaughtering process improve their effectiveness to produce meat more safe for human consumption. Using of decontaminant has reduced numbers of bacteria on carcasses when numbers were relatively higher more than relatively lower but higher concentrations of acids required for effectiveness.