An analysis of the bacterial flora of meat carcasses

Meat production at the Kingston and St. Andrew and Orchard Farm Abattoir is undertaken under grossly unsatisfactory conditions. Extensive microbial contamination could have adverse implications for the health of consumers of meat produced at the abattoirs. This study sought to determine the microbial quality and safety of the carcasses produced at the abattoirs as well as the knowledge, attitude and practice of abattoir workers with respect to sanitary slaughter and processing of animals. Samples were taken from approximately 25 percent bovine and porcine carcasses produced at the abattoir over a two-week period. Laboratory analyses were performed on these samples to determine the coliform count, E. coli count and the prescene of salmonella. The condition under which slaughtering took place was observed. Informal interviewers with butchers to determine their knowledge, attitude and practice with respect to sanitary slaughter were also conducted. The results showed extensive contamination of the carcasses produced. The E.coli count on carcasses, fell well outside acceptable standards. The presence of Salmonella also fell outside the limits of acceptable standards at one of the abattoirs. The presence of salmonella was detected on meat from the other abattoir though within acceptable limits. Poorly maintained facilities and equipment and lack of aseptic technique in processing and the use of untreated water in the abattoir were factors which impacted on the quality of meat produced. The study concluded that the meat produced at the Kingston and St. Andrew and Orchard Farm abattoirs places consumers at risk of contracting food borne disease. There were no significant differences between quality and safety of meat produced at the two establishments. There is need for effective quality control systems to be established in the abattoirs with a view to correcting process defects and ultimatelly reduce the levels of contamination of the carcass (AU)

The meat story - part 1

This and subsequent issues of Nyam News will explore the issue of whether red meats are more harmful than other foods from animal sources. Some contemporary concerns in ensuring healthful and safe meats will also be considered.

Meat inspection in the parish of Manchester

The research shows that private places of slaughter were not constructed in a manner that could enable the production of good, safe meat. Structures and equipment provided by butchers were far below the minimum standard that would enhance the production of good safe meat. Sanitation was also a very grave problem. It seems that not enough planning and forethought was put into the building of most places of slaughter visited. Because of this, many problems existed which are discussed in the thesis. (AU)

Monitoring of frozen meat and meat products at ports of entry in Kingston by the Public Health Inspector for period 1975-79

The criteria which were used to pass the meat as fit for human consumption, the quantity and types of meats which were condemned and reasons for their condemnation were also investigated. It was found that: (i) The notification of the arrival of ships was not satisfactory. (ii) There are no written criteria for passing meats, but the method of inspection used was satisfactory. (iii) Large quantities of meat were condemned over the period under study and poultry meat headed the condemnation. Dehydration decomposition and freezer-burn were the principal reasons for condemnation. (v) There was no condemnation of mutton for the years 1978 and 1979. (vi) Mutton had the lowest condemnation which could be attributed to the type of packaging. (vii) Containerization of meats increased as of 1977. Based on the findings, measures for the improvement of the monitoring system were devised. (AU)

The meat trade in Portland with special emphasis on the public health aspect

Some of the features stated which make a private slaughter place unsatisfactory are :- 1) Broken up concrete slab 2) Overgrown vegetation 3) Stagnant water in drains 4) Dirty concrete surface 5) Inadequate water supply 6) Dirty and unsightly surroundings 7) Insanitary toilet facilities . In respect of the survey carried out to determine the extent to which the public is exposed to disease through the meat trade, from the purchasing of the animals through to the consumption of the meat, the researcher has decided to make the following recommendations for further improvements. (AU)

Nutrition study in British Honduras

Height-weight measurements were performed and diet questionnaires distributed to 1,649 8- and 9-year-old children in Belize city. The children were divided into three groups; Creole, Spanish extraction, and miscellaneous for specific reasons mentioned. Analysis of the height-weight measurements and returned questionnaires indicate that the diets of these children are nutritionally poor; they are much smaller than American children of the same age; and have a high incidence of colds and headaches. No consistent difference was noted with regard to the height-weight measurements of the children receiving and not receiving a CARE supplement in their schools. Height-weight measurements when compared with private school Puerto Rican children assumed receiving a good diet were consistently above British Honduran values. When compared with prewar English children receiving a poor diet and postwar English children receiving a better vitamin and mineral supplement diet, the British Honduran values were greater than those of the first group and less than those of the second. "Anemia indices" of the three ethnic groups were compared and the diferences commented on. Frequency of colds and headaches and evaluations of the health of the children by the parent were tabulated and compared for the three groups of British Honduran children.(Summary)