Abstract
The aim of the current study is to perform a systematic investigation about the interception of milk and dairy products during agricultural product transport inspections carried out in Maranhao State. A retrospective study was conducted over a five-year period; it recorded 90 mobile monitoring events that together intercepted 3,500 liters of milk, 500 liters of kitchen butter, 2,836 kg of cheese, 1,700 kg of yogurt and 100 kg of yogurt ice cream. Most of these products (n = 13/16; 75%) were intercepted during their transportation from one city to another. The most recurring law violations regarded products transported in inappropriate vehicles (e.g., in the trunk of passenger buses and minibuses and in trucks used for animal-feed transportation) and in inappropriate packages such as garbage bags, rice-packing bags, cardboard boxes and non-reusable containers for micronutrients. All law violations recorded during the interceptions resulted in product confiscation, in fine issuing and, in specific cases, in product destruction through povidone iodine application. Fines issued due to irregular transportation of animal products during the assessed period accounted for R$ 11,688.00. It was possible concluding that the transportation of milk and dairy products in Maranhao State is not in compliance with the Brazilian legislation (ordinances, decrees), a fact that may endanger public health in the investigated State, as well as in other Brazilian cities that trade these products. It is essential intensifying these inspections to help suppressing the illegal trade of milk and dairy products.
Highlights
The illegal entry of animal products (AP) into a given territory, and its association with the introduction of different diseases in it, have been the object of several studies, mainly of international studies such as the ones conducted by (HUESTON; TRAVIS; VAN KLINK, 2011; MUR; MARITENZ-LOPEZ; SANCHEZ-VISCAINO, 2012; SMITH et al 2012; DE MELO et al, 2016; and DE MELO et al, 2018)
The 2001 Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) crisis in the United Kingdom, whose losses were estimated at £ 4 billion (THOMPSON et al, 2002); as well as the case of dioxin found in pork meat in Ireland in 2008, which resulted in economic losses of approximately € 100 million (WALL et al, 2009)
Only Caxias and Imperatriz have milk and dairy product establishments registered in either State (SIS) or Federal (FIS) Inspection Services; they are officially authorized to trade with other counties in Maranhão State and with other states, respectively
Summary
The illegal entry of animal products (AP) into a given territory, and its association with the introduction of different diseases in it, have been the object of several studies, mainly of international studies such as the ones conducted by (HUESTON; TRAVIS; VAN KLINK, 2011; MUR; MARITENZ-LOPEZ; SANCHEZ-VISCAINO, 2012; SMITH et al 2012; DE MELO et al, 2016; and DE MELO et al, 2018). According to De La Rocque et al (2011), multiple routes such as active and passive dispersion of vectors, international mobility of infected humans, animal transmigration and freight transport, can introduce different pathogens in a given territory. The irregular trade and transportation of APs through means in non-compliance with health regulations in force can lead to worrisome situations. The 2001 Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) crisis in the United Kingdom, whose losses were estimated at £ 4 billion (THOMPSON et al, 2002); as well as the case of dioxin found in pork meat in Ireland in 2008, which resulted in economic losses of approximately € 100 million (WALL et al, 2009)
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