Economic impact of edible offal rejection at El-Qurein slaughterhouse, Egypt

The thorough examination of animal carcasses and organs intended for human consumption is crucial for food safety. However, it is not always conducted adequately due to time constraints during the slaughter process. A cross-sectional study was undertaken to identify the key reasons for the rejection of edible offal in slaughtered animals at El-Qurein slaughterhouse in Sharkia province, Egypt, and to evaluate the associated economic losses during the period from August, 2020 till July, 2021. The study examined 1,218 organs (406 livers, 406 lungs, and 406 hearts) from various animals (cattle, buffaloes, camels, sheep and goats), among which 138 organs (78 livers, 38 lungs, and 22 hearts) were rejected, primarily due to lesions caused by Cysticercus ovis, fascioliasis, Cysticercus tenuicollis, pneumonia, and hydatid cysts. The financial loss at the slaughterhouse due to organs rejection over the twelve-month period totaled 1,113,905.24 Egyptian pounds (equivalent to 71,865 USD). The high frequency of meat rejection and resulting financial impact exceeded the region's local revenue. This study highlights the persistent prevalence of parasitic diseases, resulting in significant detrimental economic repercussions in Sharkia province, Egypt. Furthermore, the present work underscores the necessity for the development of an effective control program addressing the causes of meat rejection in the region.