The role of pork meat traceability and processing along the value chain to ensure meat safety from farm to fork in KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa.

Abstract

Meat safety remains crucial to public health, consumer confidence, and economic sustainability in the livestock sector. This study evaluated the role of meat traceability and processing along the value chain to ensure meat safety from farm to fork in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The research investigated key factors influencing meat quality, including on-farm animal management, preslaughter handling, microbiological safety, and consumer perceptions of meat from informal markets. By adopting a multidisciplinary approach, the study identified contamination risks, and proposed strategies to enhance transparency and accountability within the meat industry. Microbiological analysis, observational studies, and consumer surveys were conducted to determine the influence of farm management, transportation, and slaughterhouse practices on meat safety. The findings highlighted critical contamination points within the supply chain, particularly in feed, water, faeces, and carcass handling. Poor hygiene practices, environmental management, and inadequate biosecurity measures were identified as significant contributors to microbial contamination, including pathogens such as Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and Staphylococcus aureus. The study further explored the impact of pre-slaughter stress on meat quality, emphasizing that poor handling, rough transportation conditions, and inadequate animal welfare practices resulted in physiological changes that compromised carcass integrity and increased microbial load. An essential focus of the research was the role of traceability systems in ensuring meat safety. The study revealed that while commercial supply chains have structured monitoring mechanisms, informal meat markets often lack regulatory oversight, making them highly susceptible to contamination and foodborne illnesses. The absence of standardized record-keeping and quality control measures in these markets poses a significant challenge to consumer health and food safety compliance. To address these challenges, the study recommended an overall approach incorporating improved farm management, robust biosecurity protocols, optimized transportation systems, and enhanced slaughterhouse hygiene. Additionally, consumer education and awareness programs are necessary to promote demand for safe meat products and encourage compliance with meat safety regulations. The findings emphasized the need for cost-effective traceability technologies that can be adopted in both formal and informal markets to enhance food safety and consumer confidence. It was concluded that strengthening the meat value chain through the integration of traceability, improved handling practices, and regulatory enforcement is vital for reducing contamination risks and ensuring sustainable meat production. Future research should explore innovative and affordable traceability solutions tailored for small-scale and informal markets, while also investigating alternative strategies to mitigate pre-slaughter stress and microbial contamination. By addressing these factors, the meat industry can enhance resilience, protect public health, and support the economic viability of meat producers and retailers in South Africa and beyond. Overall, this study demonstrates that strengthening the meat value chain through the integration of effective traceability systems, improved management practices, and stronger regulatory enforcement is essential for reducing contamination risks, ensuring meat safety, and promoting consumer confidence. The findings offer valuable guidance for developing practical interventions that can enhance the resilience and sustainability of both formal and informal meat markets in KwaZulu-Natal.