Current situation of meat-related waste genera ted by free state abattoirs, South Africa

Legislation exists which prescribes specific waste disposal methods, especially for condemned products, but financial constraints prohibits its implementation. Current legislation requires independent meat inspection but it is not yet applied at all abattoirs and will take a considerable period of time before it is in place. Meat inspection does not serve any pwpose if condemned products returns to the food chain. Waste management practices at the different grades of abattoirs (Grades A to E) will be assessed and interviews with management will be used to predict the associated health risks to the community and the meat industry. Results obtained, will be used to construct a model to recommend the most suitable waste management system for each grade of abattoir in the Free State Province. This model would be appropriate for other provinces in South Africa. Spoilage bacteria and pathogenic bacteria are found on the surfaces of meat products. Pathogenic bacteria can cause illness when these products are consumed (Aberle, et.al., 2001). Food borne illnesses are a world-wide phenomena that also play a role in South Africa. Duse (2002) quoted the Department of Health statistics indicating that in the period of January to June 1998 there were 110 cases of food poisoning and 3 deaths and in 1999 127 cases reported and 0 deaths occurred. A large variety of bacterial genera have been recovered from red-meat, poultry and their products for example, Actinobacter, Aeromonas, Pseudomonas, Aalmonella, Zersinia, and Streptococcus. An increase in amounts ofwaste are generated all over the world. Abattoirs are one of the industries that contribute to the problem of possible food-borne diseases and potential health hazards associated with food, especially meat (Bradshaw, et.al. 1992). Waste generated by abattoirs include condemned organs and carcasses, blood, hides, paunch content and carcass trimmings. Condemned products and carcasses, unsuitable for human consumption, are eaten by ,,cavengers" or persons living off refuse sites, and could cause a significant health problem which could lead to disease and death.Current economic conditions force under- privileged communities to seek any possible source of food and some of the sites frequented are landfill sites, dumping grounds and disposal sites used by abattoirs (Personal communication, Derbyshire, 2003),