Abstract:
The safety of meat on the Ghanaian market, particularly those slaughtered locally, has
been a source of concern over the years. Butchers slaughter animals on the bare
ground and singe the fur with lorry tyres which is an unpleasant scene observed in
James Town and other areas in Accra and its surrounding communities. The research
design was mainly a mixture of both quantitative and qualitative descriptive study
which covered a sample of 170 respondents. Multistage sampling was used to arrive
at the final sample size and in depth interviews and questionnaires were used for the
primary data collection. The findings of the study indicated that animal wastes were
openly disposed of near the abattoirs attracting carnivorous animals such as vultures
and dog. Improper cleaning of equipments and butchering platforms; the use of car
tyres to burn and roast animals; ineffective supervision by law enforcement agencies;
poor sanitation within the abattoir and illiteracy on the part of the butchers are threats
to the safety of meats from these abattoirs It was concluded that there are several laws
enacted to ensure food safety. However these laws are not effectively enforced in the
abattoirs hence butchers engage in practices which could lead to microbial
contamination of meat. The study recommended that public education on the various
laws governing food safety should be intensified to enlightened butchers and the
general public on the roles of these food laws
Description:
A Dissertation in the Department of Hospitality and Tourism Education, Faculty
of Technology Education, Submitted to the School of Graduate Studies,
University of Education, Winneba In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for
the award of the Master of Technology Education (Catering And Hospitality)
degree.
DECEMBER, 2014