Consumers Perception on Meat Handling in Ghana
Keywords:
Abattoirs, butchers, meat, environment, livestock, wholesomenessAbstract
188 households in Accra sampled from 4 suburbs were selected for the survey. 86.2% of the households thought meat handling in Ghana was unhygienic, 4.8% cared less about the meat handling process whilst only 9% of the households thought handling issues were adequate. On criteria used to purchase meat, 42% said they used observation to purchase, 30.3% considered only the price, 25.5% considered neatness of the selling environment, whilst 2.1% of the homes considered the colour of the meat. For urgent considerations to ensure improvement in the meat industry, 42.6% of households thought meat Inspection laws be enforced, 36.2% thought meat handlers (butchers) be trained on animal slaughtering, handling and other relevant issues, 6.9% thought meat prices should be affordable, 6.4% thought livestock diseases be prevented, whilst 5.3% wished for good feed regime for livestock, 2.7% thought good abattoirs and slaughter faculties be provided.
Household respondents thought the meat handling chain in Ghana needed improvements in the handling processes including provision for slaughter facilities and training of butchers. We also recommend an enhanced vigilance and meat inspection laws enforcement.
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