Abstract:
An investigation was conducted between January to February 2013 to assess the hygienic practices
and faecal contamination of beef at Vingunguti slaughterhouse using Escherichia coli as an indicator
organism. Hygienic practices were assessed using a questionnaire survey to 40 slaughterhouse
workers. Faecal sampling was done to 75 slaughter cattle and after slaughter swab samples from
neck, shoulder, pelvis and thigh muscles of dressed carcasses were collected and were subjected to
standard bacteriological analysis for E. coli O157 isolation. The findings revealed poor hygienic
practices, lack of adequate knowledge on the existence of enteropathogens and meat contamination,
and a negative perception on improving sanitary conditions and practices by workers. There were no
essential basic facilities for a slaughterhouse such as potable running water, separated clean and dirty
areas, stunning and bleeding facilities, area for inspection of carcasses, properly working drainages,
cold room, changing room, protective clothing for the workers and proper working tools. Animals
were slaughtered, dressed and meat handled in dirty environment that caused gross contamination of
meat. The drainage system was dilapidated and there were no defined means of waste disposal. E.
coli Escherichia coli was isolated in all the samples analysed. However, E. coli O157 strain was not
isolated in all the samples analysed. It is concluded that the hygienic practices, slaughterhouse facilities and conditions at Vingunguti slaughterhouse are poor predisposing carcasses to faecal contamination. Measures to improve the sanitary situation are recommended particularly the water supply and drainage, slaughter methods, meat handling practices and standard abattoir equipment.
