A meat control system achieving significant reduction of visible faecal and ingesta contamination of cattle, lamb and swine carcasses at Swedish slaughterhouses

Abstract

The aim of this study is to describe how unsatisfying slaughter hygiene was identified by monitoring of visible carcass contamination, and to review the effectiveness of subsequent official control measures. In 2007, a survey of visible faecal and ingesta carcass contamination was performed by National Food Agency staff at, respectively, 14, 9 and 11 of the largest Swedish slaughterhouses for cattle, lamb and swine. The results revealed that large percentages of beef and lamb carcasses were visibly contaminated and a new control system was introduced in 2008. Data from regular official control collected in 2011, at, respectively, 14, 8 and 12 of the largest slaughterhouses for cattle, lamb and swine show that the general level of cattle and lamb carcasses contamination was significantly lower than in 2007. The median percentage of visibly contaminated carcasses had decreased from 10% (beef) and 13% (lamb) in 2007, to 0% for both species in 2011. For swine, the level of visibly contaminated carcasses was relatively low already in 2007 (median 2%), but tended to be even lower in 2011. According to local official control coordinators, the operators primarily achieved the reduction in contamination of carcasses through improving their own verifying control, trimming, slaughter hygiene and education of personnel. Among the measures taken by the National Food Agency, the enforcement of regular official control and communication with operators was listed as important measures at all slaughterhouses, and sanctions (civil penalty, or consideration of civil penalty) at some slaughterhouses. This study shows how measures taken by the competent authority can lead to substantial reductions in visible carcass contamination.