Basic Hazard Control Plan for Small Wild Ungulates Slaughtered for Meat Production

Animal slaughter plans and related activities must not increase the number of hazards in meat. In their nature, these processes must reduce possible hazards to minimum or acceptable levels. This is a generally accepted concept worldwide; hence, authorities continue to develop regulations that seek to mitigate the scourge of meat hazards for consumer protection. The situation is similar with small wild ungulate meat, in which a hazard analysis plan needs developing to improve meat safety. This investigation follows a narrative review of articles published for a PhD program and other scholarly articles supporting the concept of a basic slaughter plan for small wild ungulate animals in South Africa. The findings of this investigation highlight the need to control hazards within one health concept plan, which should be implemented and propagated by establishing forums that will drive meat safety solutions in these communities. There should be a basic hygiene slaughter plan developed and endorsed by all members of the forum. The outcome must be the control of microbiological, chemical and physical hazards from farm-to-fork, and as part of a system imbedded in game meat policies and regulations.

Automated summary

Animal slaughter and related activities should not increase the risks in meat, but rather minimize or maintain them at an acceptable level. This concept is widely accepted worldwide, which is why regulations are continuously being developed to mitigate meat hazards and protect consumers. Similarly, a hazard analysis plan is needed for small wild ungulate meat to improve its safety. This investigation emphasizes the importance of establishing forums and implementing a comprehensive health plan to control hazards and promote meat safety solutions in these communities. A basic hygiene slaughter plan endorsed by all forum members is necessary to control microbiological, chemical, and physical hazards from farm-to-fork, within the framework of game meat policies and regulations.