Comprehensive evaluation of abattoirs with no Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point plan in Tucumán,Argentina / Evaluación integral de frigoríficos sin un plan de análisis de peligros y puntos críticos de control en Tucumán, Argentina

Abstract This work focused on the comprehensive study of two provincial transit abattoirs inTucumán, Argentina, with no Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) plan. Visits (n = 20)were conducted between 2016 and 2018 during the operational and post-operational processes.Risk was estimated and the bacteriological analysis of carcass and environmental samples wasperformed. Risk estimation showed the predominance of high risk in both abattoirs. The maindeviations from the HACCP plan were: deficient building conditions, deficient workflow, lack of sectorization of changing rooms and bathrooms, lack of implementation of Standardized Sanitary Operational Procedures, and no food safety training of workers. The counts of indi-cator microorganisms from both abattoirs were not significant. Salmonella spp. was isolated from 7.5% carcass and 7.3% environmental samples. The Salmonella serovars identified were Cerro, Corvallis, Havana and Agona. Shiga toxin (stx) genes were detected in 24.4% carcass and 30.9% environmental samples. The isolates were characterized as Escherichia coli O8:H7/stx1, O116:H49/stx2 and O136:H40/stx2. Based on these results, it would be possible to implement an improvement plan in Tucumán abattoirs together with the local health authorities. Still, the need to work jointly with the sanitary authority in search of a unique sanitary standard for Argentina remains unaddressed.

Resumen Este trabajo se centró en el estudio integral de dos frigoríficos de tránsito provincial en Tucumán, Argentina, carentes de un plan de análisis de peligros y puntos críticos de control (HACCP, por sus siglas en inglés). Las visitas (n = 20) se realizaron entre 2016 y 2018 durante los procesos operativos y posoperativos. Se realizó la estimación del riesgo y el análisis bacteriológico de medias reses y muestras ambientales. La estimación del riesgo demostró un predominio de riesgo alto en ambos frigoríficos. Las principales desviaciones del plan HACCP fueron las deficientes condiciones edilicias, un inadecuado flujo de trabajo, la falta de sectorización de vestuarios y banños, una implementación nula de procedimientos operativos estandarizados de saneamiento y una insuficiente capacitación en seguridad alimentaria de los operarios. Los recuentos de microorganismos indicadores de ambos frigoríficos no presentaron diferencias significativas. Salmonella spp. se aisló del 7,5% de muestras de medias reses y del 7,3% de muestras ambientales. Se identificaron las siguientes serovariedades de Salmonella: Cerro, Corvallis, Havana y Agona. Se detectaron genes de toxina Shiga (sfx) en el 24,4% de las muestras de medias reses y en el 30,9% de las muestras ambientales. Los aislamientos se caracterizaron como Escherichia coli O8:H7/sfx1, O116:H49/sfx2 y O136:H40/sfx2. Teniendo en cuenta estos resultados, sería posible implementar un plan de mejoramiento en frigoríficos de Tucumán conjuntamente con las autoridades locales de salud. Aun así, sigue sin abordarse la necesidad de trabajar en vinculación con las autoridades sanitarias en la búsqueda de una norma integrada única para Argentina.

Rodízio de postos em abate de bovinos: para além das dimensões físicas do trabalho / Job rotation in beef packing operations: beyond the physical dimensions of work / Rotación de puestos en el sacrificio de bovinos: más allá de las dimensiones físicas del trabajo

Resumo: A norma brasileira NR-36, específica para indústrias de abate e processamento de carnes, indica a necessidade de implantação de rodízios de postos para reduzir a exposição dos trabalhadores a constrangimentos físicos repetitivos e controlados por máquinas. Porém, estudos demonstram que os efeitos alcançados com essa implantação são geralmente inferiores ao esperado e que a rotação sozinha não seria a solução para os problemas de saúde no trabalho. Por meio de uma pesquisa empírica em um frigorífico de abate de bovinos, o objetivo deste artigo é apresentar e discutir dimensões do trabalho real consideradas relevantes para a saúde e segurança dos trabalhadores. Tais dimensões constituem elementos importantes a serem considerados em projetos de implantação de rodízio de postos. A metodologia compreende entrevistas coletivas com 16 trabalhadores voluntários divididos em 4 grupos. As técnicas de grupo focal e de confrontação coletiva valendo-se de filmes da atividade foram utilizadas. Os resultados evidenciam dimensões já conhecidas na literatura relacionadas aos constrangimentos físicos, competências necessárias, ritmo de trabalho e falta de tempo para realizar um trabalho de qualidade. Dados novos aparecem quanto às prescrições heterogêneas do trabalho que representam uma fonte de pressão psíquica em zonas do abate. Essas dimensões organizacionais impactam a atividade individual e coletiva dos trabalhadores, assim como a saúde no trabalho. Do nosso ponto de vista, e corroborando estudos internacionais, além das dimensões físicas do trabalho, aspetos organizacionais, humanos, estratégicos e pedagógicos devem ser considerados em projetos de implantação do rodízio de postos.

Abstract: Brazilian Regulation NR-36, specific to the slaughterhouse and meat packing industries, emphasizes the implementation of job turnover to reduce workers' exposure to repetitive and machine-controlled physical strain. However, studies have shown that the effects of such measures are generally less than expected, and that rotation alone is not the solution to work-related health problems. Based on a study performed in a beef packing plant, the article aims to present and discuss real work dimensions that are considered relevant to the plant workers' health and safety. Knowledge of such dimensions is important for the implementation of job rotation projects. The methodology included interviews with 16 volunteers divided into four groups. The focus group and collective confrontation techniques were used, drawing on videos of the work. The results pointed to dimensions already known in the literature, related to physical strain, the required skills, work pace, and insufficient time to perform quality work. New data appeared in relation to the work's heterogeneous specifications, representing a source of psychological pressure during work in the cattle slaughtering areas. These organizational dimensions impact workers' individual and collective activity as well as workplace health. In our view, and corroborating international studies, in addition to the work's physical dimensions, organizational, human, strategic, and pedagogical aspects should be considered in projects involving the implementation of job rotation.

Resumen: La norma brasileña NR-36, específica para industrias de sacrificio y procesamiento de carnes, indica la necesidad de la implantación de rotación de puestos para reducir la exposición de los trabajadores a presiones físicas repetitivas y controladas por máquinas. No obstante, algunos estudios demuestran que los efectos alcanzados con esa implantación son generalmente inferiores a lo esperado, y que sólo la rotación no sería la solución para los problemas de salud en el trabajo. Mediante una investigación empírica en un frigorífico de sacrificio de bovinos, el objetivo de este artículo es presentar y discutir las dimensiones del trabajo real, consideradas relevantes para la salud y seguridad de los trabajadores. Tales dimensiones constituyen elementos importantes que deben ser consideradas en proyectos de implantación de rotación de puestos. La metodología comprende entrevistas colectivas con 16 trabajadores voluntarios divididos en 4 grupos. Se utilizaron técnicas de grupos focales y confrontación colectiva, valiéndose de grabaciones de la actividad. Los resultados evidencian dimensiones ya conocidas en la literatura, relacionadas con presiones físicas, competencias necesarias, ritmo de trabajo y falta de tiempo para realizar un trabajo de calidad. Aparecen nuevos datos en relación con las prescripciones heterogéneas del trabajo que representan una fuente de presión psíquica en zonas de sacrificio. Estas dimensiones organizativas impactan en la actividad individual y colectiva de los trabajadores, así como la salud en el trabajo. Desde nuestro punto de vista, y corroborando estudios internacionales, además de las dimensiones físicas del trabajo, se deben considerar aspectos organizativos, humanos, estratégicos y pedagógicos en proyectos de implantación de rotación de puestos.

Avaliação dos riscos ambientais na sala de abate de um matadouro de bovinos / Environmental risk assessment in the killing floor of a bovine abattoir

RESUMO Estudo não experimental, descritivo qualitativo, que objetivou identificar os riscos ambientais que possam comprometer a saúde ou representar risco de acidentes no trabalho em matadouros. Foi baseado na análise dos processos de trabalho e dos aspectos físico-ambientais da sala de abate de um matadouro de bovinos. Utilizou-se um instrumento de coleta de informações baseado nas legislações, considerando biossegurança. Encontraram-se locais úmidos, ruídos excessivos, alternância de temperaturas e o trabalho determinado pelo número de animais abatidos; que geram problemas de caráter físico e psíquico, destacando-se cortes, lesões por esforços repetitivos, estresse e contaminação por patógenos.

ABSTRACT This study is non-experimental, qualitative descriptive, and aimed to identify the environmental conditions and work process that may increase the risk of accidents and represent damage to the worker's health. It was based on the analysis of the work processes and environmental aspects on the killing floor of a cattle slaughterhouse. We used an observation script, based upon laws and Biosafety. The results show humidity, loud noises, temperature alternation and working speed determined by the number of animals slaughtered; which generates physical and psychological problems, especially repetitive strain injuries, depression, stress, and contamination by biological agents.

Brucella spp. in equines slaughtered in the south region of Brazil / Anticorpos contra Brucella spp. em equídeos da região Sul do Brasil abatidos em matadouro-frigorífico

Bacteria of the genus Brucella are widespread in many countries. These microorganisms can infect humans and many wild and domestic animal species. These bacteria have zoonotic potential, and can cause economic and public health problems since they can be transmitted by direct contact with sick animals, through consumption of contaminated milk, raw meat and its derivatives (Soares et al., 2015). Brucellosis is considered a chronic evolving disease, unusual in horses, predominantly caused by Brucella abortus. However, it is not characterized by reproductive disorders in horses, but primarily by abscess in the cervical region, bursa, tendons, and joints. Transmission is likely to occur via ingestion of contaminated water and pastures, especially in areas endemic for bovine brucellosis (Ribeiro et al., 2008). The slaughterhouse is a strategic point for obtaining information about the animal and animal products, edible or not. This study investigated the presence of anti-Brucella spp. immunoglobulins in the serum samples from horses slaughtered in a slaughterhouse in southern Brazil, to estimate the frequency of Brucella spp. antibodies and determine the spatial distribution of the cases.(AU)

Objetivou-se investigar a presença de imunoglobulinas anti-Brucella spp. em amostras de soros sanguíneos de equídeos abatidos em matadouro-frigorífico, sob Serviço de Inspeção Federal, localizado na região Sul do Brasil. Utilizaram-se 767 amostras de sangue de equídeos adultos abatidos no período de abril a maio de 2013. Os animais foram provenientes de 45 municípios dos estados do Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina e Paraná. Para diagnóstico, foram utilizados os testes do antígeno acidificado tamponado (AAT), sendo os resultados positivos confirmados pelos testes de polarização fluorescente (TPF), reação de fixação de complemento (RFC) e 2-mercaptoetanol (2-ME). Foram sororreagentes no AAT 65 (8,47%) animais. Destes, apenas dois (3,07%) foram positivos também na RFC e três (4,62%) animais foram positivos no TPF. Apesar da baixa frequência de animais positivos para Brucella spp., pode-se afirmar que a infecção em equinos está presente na área estudada, o que é demonstrado pela presença de animais sororreatores. No âmbito da saúde animal, pública e ocupacional, sugere-se a atenção a essa doença, visando diminuir o risco de infecção.(AU)

Benefícios auxílio-doença concedidos aos trabalhadores empregados no ramo de carne e pescado no Brasil em 2008 / Sick leave benefits for workers in the Brazilian meat and fish industries in 2008 / Prestaciones sociales por enfermedad, concedidas por el Seguro Social, a los empleados en el sector de la carne y pescado en Brasil durante el año 2008

Este estudo objetivou identificar fatores associados à incidência de concessão de benefícios entre trabalhadores na atividade de carne e pescado no Brasil. Foram estudados os benefícios auxílio-doença concedidos pela Previdência Social aos empregados em carne e pescado no Brasil em 2008. As incidências por 10 mil vínculos empregatícios foram estratificadas por sexo, idade, diagnóstico, atividade econômica, unidade federada, espécie e duração dos benefícios auxílio-doença. Foram concedidos 31.913 benefícios auxílio-doença, com incidência de 788,7. O ramo abate de bovinos, equinos, ovinos e caprinos apresentou a maior incidência (1.223,2); o pescado, a maior duração (61 dias) de benefícios auxílio-doença. As mulheres apresentaram maior incidência, enquanto os homens, maior duração de benefícios auxílio-doença. Os grupos Lesões, doenças osteomusculares e transtornos mentais representaram 67,2% dos benefícios auxílio-doença. Os diagnósticos mais incidentes foram as dorsopatias, hemorragia no início da gravidez e episódios depressivos. O ramo de atividade, sexo, e a idade representaram importantes fatores associados à incidência de benefícios auxílio-doença, sugerindo uma precarização das condições/relações de trabalho.

This study aims to analyze factors associated with sick leave rates among workers in the meat, fish, and seafood industries in Brazil. The study analyzed all sick leave benefits granted by the country's social security system to workers in these industries in 2008. Incidence of sick leave per 10 thousand jobs was stratified by sex, age, diagnosis, job position, State, and nature and length of benefits. The study analyzed 31,913 sick leaves, with an annual incidence of 788.7. Meat processing and packaging showed the highest incidence, and fish and seafood processing and packaging showed the longest mean length of sick leave. Women showed a higher sick leave incidence, while men received longer average sick leaves. Injuries, musculoskeletal disorders, and mental disorders accounted for 67.2% of sick leaves. The most common diagnoses were lower back pain, first-trimester bleeding in pregnancy, and depression. The data suggest poor job protection and adverse working conditions in these industries.

El objetivo del presente estudio fue identificar factores asociados a la incidencia de concesión prestaciones sociales por enfermedad a los trabajadores del sector cárnico y pesquero en Brasil. Se estudiaron las prestaciones sociales por enfermedad, concedidas por el Seguro Social, a los empleados de los sectores anteriormente mencionados durante el año 2008. Las incidencias por cada 10 mil empleados fueron estratificadas por sexo, edad, diagnóstico, actividad económica, departamento, tipo y duración de las prestaciones por enfermedad. Se concedieron 31.913 prestaciones sociales por enfermedad, con una incidencia de 788,7. El colectivo perteneciente a mataderos de ganado vacuno, equino, bovino y caprino presentó la mayor incidencia (1.223,2) y el de pesca la mayor duración (61 días de prestaciones sociales por enfermedad). Las mujeres presentaron una mayor incidencia, mientras los hombres una mayor duración de las prestaciones por enfermedad. Los grupos de lesiones, enfermedades osteomusculares y trastornos mentales representaron un 67,2% de los beneficios de auxilio por enfermedad. Los diagnósticos más incidentes fueron las dorsopatías, hemorragias en el principio de la gestación y episodios depresivos, según las ramas de la actividad ejercida, el sexo y la edad son importantes factores, sugiriendo precariedad en las condiciones de trabajo.

Molecular Identification of Mycobacterium bovis from Post-mortem Inspected Cattle at the Abattoir and Slaughter Houses in Bauchi State, Nigeria.

Aims: Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is a chronic infectious and contagious zoonotic disease of domestic, wild animals and humans. The disease occurs in a wide range of mammalian species and therefore, poses a public health threat. It also results in considerable economic losses in livestock production and carcass condemnation of infected cattle during meat inspection. This study was aimed at determining the prevalence of zoonotic bovine tuberculosis in slaughtered cattle, based on Post-Mortem (PM) meat inspection, Ziehl-Neelsen staining (ZN) and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) techniques in abattoir and slaughter houses in Bauchi State, Nigeria. Place and Duration of Study: A cross-sectional abattoir based-study was conducted on 800 slaughtered cattle in the Northern, Central and Southern Zonal abattoirs of Bauchi State, Nigeria. This work was carried out between June-September, 2013. Study Design: Experimental. Methodology: One hundred and twenty (120) tissue samples from different organs were suspected to have bTB lesions at PM 15% (120/800). Out of the samples examined 35 (29.2%) were Acid-Fast Bacilli (AFB) positive; 10 (8.3%) of which were confirmed positive for M. bovis by the confirmatory Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Results: The present study found the prevalence rates of 3.33% (4/120) and 5.00% (6/120) for males and females, respectively. This gave an overall prevalence of 8.33% for bTB (M. bovis) based on PCR. Bovine TB sex-specific rates were 10.00% (4/40) and 7.50% (6/80) by PCR, in males and females respectively. Female cattle also had a higher prevalence than male cattle but there was no statistically significant association (p>0.05, x2 = 0.218) between the presence of bTB in the tissues sampled and the sex of the cattle. There was a statistically significant association (p<0.05, x2 =7.002, OR=3.363) between detection of bTB in suspected tissues and the age of cattle. Using ZN, cattle aged six (6) years and above had the highest number of positive bTB cases 67.9% (31), while cattle aged 3-5 years old had the lowest 14.81% (4/27). PCR technique, revealed age-specific prevalence rate in cattle aged 6-8 and 9-11 years were 17.07% and 5.77%, respectively. Bauchi zonal abattoir had the highest number of suspected bTB cases (62.5%), followed by Katagum (26.7%) and Misau (10.8%). Conclusion: High infection rate of bTB was found among cattle sampled in the study area, with a significant prevalence in Bauchi metropolitan abattoir than the other two (2) slaughter houses (Katagum and Misau). This showed that the prevalence of bTB was higher in Bauchi metropolitan abattoir which supplies larger population of the state with beef. These findings also demonstrated that, there is urgent need for public health authorities in the state to intervene.

Condenaciones de canales porcinas en beneficiaderos / Swine Carcass Condemnation in Commercial Slaughterhouses

Objective. The research was conducted to evaluate the main causes of carcass condemnation, as well as the financial loss caused by it, at a commercial slaughterhouse located in Dourados, MS, Brazil. Materials and methods. The data related to carcass condemnation, for the years 2007 to 2009 was obtained from a commercial slaughterhouse, located in the city of Dourados, MS, Brazil, and turned into a percentage of the total number of animals slaughtered during that period. The most frequent causes of carcass condemnation (total or partial) were grouped into classes (pleurisy + pneumonia; enteritis; arthritis; abscesses; fractures/hematomas + contusions + death). The financial loss by the slaughterhouse was estimated using the condemnation data. Results. The total rate of carcass condemnation was low and tended to stability (<0.45%). The most prevalent causes of condemnation during the study period were abscesses and death in the transport, which together accounted for approximately 40% of all condemnation. The condemnation due to health problems tended to decrease or to be stable over the years. However, the condemnations caused by management problems (abscesses, fractures, contusions and death) showed a significant increase. The average loss to the integrative company according to the carcasses condemnation was exceeding U$1,600,000.00 in the years studied. Conclusions. The main causes of carcass condemnation come from management failure. The annual loss by the company can be invested in the training of manpower in order to reduce the rates of carcass condemnation.

Objetivo. La investigación se llevó a cabo para evaluar las principales razones de la condena de canales de cerdo, así como las pérdidas financieras causadas por estas en un beneficiadero comercial ubicado en Dourados, MS, Brazil. Materiales y métodos. Los datos relacionados con la condena de canales, para los años 2007 a 2009, se obtuvieron en un matadero comercial, situado en Dourados, MS, Brazil y fueron convertidos en porcentaje del número total de animales sacrificados durante el período. Se consideraron todas las causas de condena de canales observadas, total y parcial, y las principales (más frecuentes), fueron agrupadas por tipo (pleuresía + neumonía, enteritis, artritis, abscesos, fracturas / hematomas + contusiones + muerte). La pérdida financiera por parte del matadero se estimó utilizando los datos de condena. Resultados. El índice total de condena de canales fue bajo y se mantuvo estable a lo largo de los años (<0.45%). Las causas más frecuentes de condena durante el período de estudio fueron los abscesos y las muertes en el transporte, que en conjunto representaron el 40% de todas las condenas. Los problemas de salud relacionados con la condena tendieron a reducir o estabilizarse a lo largo de los años. Sin embargo, las condenas por problemas de manejo (abscesos, fracturas, contusiones y muertes) presentaron un aumento significativo. La pérdida promedio de la empresa, de acuerdo con la condena de canales fue superior a U$ 1.600.000 durante los años estudiados. Conclusiones. Los principales motivos de condena de canales provienen de fallas en la gestión. La suma anualmente de pérdidas de la empresa podría invertirse en la capacitación de mano de obra para reducir los índices de condena de canales.