Assessing Food Safety Management System: One Health Approach to improve Water Quality and Meat Hygiene in Abattoir in and around Addis Ababa Ethiopia
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Date
2025
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Addis Abeba University
Abstract
Food borne diseases pose a major global public health challenge, particularly in low-income countries like Ethiopia, where food safety in abattoirs is a serious concern. This study aimed to assess food safety management systems in six Central Ethiopian abattoirs using a cross-sectional design from October 2024 to April 2025. A total of 108 individuals were surveyed, and 120 samples were collected for microbial analysis focusing on water quality and meat hygiene within the One Health framework. Data were gathered through questionnaires, observations, and microbial testing. Microbial loads (Aerobic plate count, S. aureus, and E. coli) were quantified and identified using bioMérieux TEMPO®, and OmniLog ID System, respectively. Questionnaire observational survey findings revealed significant weaknesses in the implementation of Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS) while respondents generally reported adherence to hygienic protocols and the use of personal protective clothing. However, direct observation indicated a lack of consistent and proper application. Only about a one-third of facilities conducted internal hygiene audits. For water hygiene, while many facilities performed regular testing, less than half maintained proper records, indicating significant gaps in documentation and monitoring. Furthermore, observations highlighted inadequate infrastructure including poor ventilation, insufficient designated processing areas, and ineffective waste management systems. Additional study with sample analysis from these facilities showed
an overall highest mean APC, S. aureus and E.coli in sampled water, equipment and in both equipment and hands, respectively. Further microbial analysis revealed significant differences in microbial loads across abattoirs and sample types (p<0.05), likely due to varying hygiene practices. The identification of pathogens such as E. coli O157:H7, Salmonella and S. aureus in this study across different abattoirs and samples including water implies a serious public health concern that needs rigorous interventions. In addition to poor microbial quality, the water used for cleaning in the abattoirs showed high concentration of some of the harmful toxic metals (Cd, Pb, and Mn) and salinity which can further compromise food safety thereby requiring urgent attention. The study highlights critical gaps in food safety management and hygiene practices, evidenced by high microbial loads and heavy metal concentrations, which calls for interventions measures through implementation of proper hygienic protocols and comprehensive personnel training to safeguard the public health
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Keywords
Abattoirs, Hygienic practices, Carcass, Microbial quality, Harmful toxic metals, Ethiopia