Meat inspection and hygiene in a Meat Factory Cell – An alternative concept

Abstract

The Meat Factory Cell (MFC) concept differs from conventional abattoirs by partly working in cell stations instead of production lines. It combines and merges elements of today's separate processes and disciplines, namely “slaughter” and “meat primal cutting”, and “disassembles” the carcass from outside-in where limbs, neck, back and loin are removed before internal organs. The aim of this work is to qualitatively assess future meat inspection and hygiene of pork carcasses in the MFC. A holistic assessment of the carcass parts is needed to interpret the significance of findings on separate parts. The MFC offers some opportunities for targeted inspection with cutting edge diagnostic technology. Improved hygiene is expected from the MFC concept due to the fact that limbs, neck and loin are removed first and are not subject to faecal contamination from intestinal content. The MFC provides opportunities for customized chilling regime for different parts, targeted decontamination or pathogen killing processing, which should contribute to safer meat products and less energy consumption. We expect that the MFC approach will potentially fulfill the principles of Codex alimentarius and will improve public health compared to conventional slaughter and meat inspection.