HEALTH SYSTEM
Despite advanced food science and technology, food born diseases remain one of the most important public health concerns. It ranks as the second most important issue (following AIDS) in the world today. The abattoir industry has escaped the brunt of most of these diseases, since most food born diseases are never traced back to the abattoir or producer.
What has changed?
- The happenings in the world have forced the consumer to demand a food supply that is safe, healthy and nourishing.
- The concept that the hygiene and safety of food of animal origin, starts on the farm, is gaining momentum globally.
- Passive and end product control is now substituted with integrated quality and safety control systems; addressing attention to the whole production system.
- The influences of transport and handling of livestock on the quality and safety of meat are better understood.
- The irreversible safety risk associated with an increased bacterial load to the carcass prior to chilling is recognised.
The Association strives to assist members with the implementation of systems to facilitate the changing environment. This also includes recognition of abattoir training in terms of the skills development legislation.On behalf of our members, the Association provides input to various levels to improve the hygiene and industry standards and will continue to play a positive and constructive role to promote the industry.
It is therefore that the RMAA identified the need for a health system, which collects relevant statistical and other health information.The Health System consists of information provided by various abattoirs which includes statistics such as:
- Conditionally passed carcasses
- Controlled animal diseases
- Degenerative conditions
- Septic and/ or inflammatory conditions
- Parasitic or infectious conditions
- General / Aesthetic conditions
- Offals
Combined, when processed the above-mentioned information will determine where a possible outbreak of diseases such as mad cow disease may occur. Prompt reaction could possibly prevent or contain such situations.
Below some statistics, collected through the health system.
