Verification of compliance with standards for raw materials used in the production of meat products

Abstract

The objective of this study was to verify regulatory compliance to ensure the quality and safety of raw materials entering the market for subsequent processing and release, without posing any health risks. A methodological design was developed, which consisted of collecting data on the raw materials used in the production of the different products, suppliers, meat species, and condition in which they arrive; evaluating compliance according to the technical standard that governs them in order to verify their quality and compliance with parameters. Each supplier was asked for a quality certificate for their raw materials. The standard applied to each material was evaluated, highlighting any deficiencies and reporting each of the findings. 17% of the suppliers were found to be non-compliant with pesticides, the majority of which were found to be outside the limits established by Resolution 2906 of 2014; 14% of the MPCs were found to be non-compliant with contaminants such as lead, falling outside the parameters and not matching the certificate obtained. The MPNCs presented non-compliance with pesticides. Most certificates were expired, which does not guarantee their quality. 5% of contaminants were recurrently aflatoxins. Packaging materials did not have quality certificates. Suppliers were informed of the deficiencies found and possible solutions to ensure their quality.