Safe and fair poultry in Mozambique

Contributed by Saskia Hendrickx

On 29 November 2013, ILRI Mozambique hosted a one-day meeting in Maputo to

• present the results of the study “Pre-requisites for Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points in small-scale poultry production and processing in Maputo, Mozambique” by Anabela dos Muchangos (Safe Food, Fair Food 2008-2011);
• discuss the recommendations of the study and identify the role of the various institutions involved in their implementation; and
• develop a work plan outlining the activities needed to improve the production and processing of the locally produced poultry.

Participants included representatives from the Maputo Municipality, Maputo province livestock services and central level staff from the ministries of agriculture, health, and science and technology. There was also a large delegation of poultry producers and a representative of the poultry meat sellers of one of the markets that took part in the study. Research from the Institute of Agricultural Research of Mozambique (IIAM) and the Eduardo Mondlane University as well as a group of students currently enrolled in the MSc program on food safety at the university. In addition, staff from the bureau of standards, consumer organizations as well as a representative from the UN Food and Agriculture Organization attended.

Workshop participants discuss the findings and recommendations of the study Pre-requisites for Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points in small-scale poultry production and processing in Maputo, Mozambique by Anabela C. dos Muchangos (photo credit: Saskia Hendrickx/ILRI).

The presentation of the study generated a lot of questions and interesting discussions on how best to address the identified challenges. A main discussion was around alternatives for hygienic slaughtering of chickens at markets in Maputo city. Complementary interesting findings were presented by the team of the Maputo provincial livestock services who looked into the presence microbiological agents in feed resources, day-old chicks and poultry houses. A variety of bacteria, viruses and fungi (including Aspergillus flavus) were detected which raised a discussion on conducting more awareness on harvesting and storage of especially maize. This is not only a concern for the feed industry but also for human consumption.

Next steps include the presentation of the study results at the high level meeting within the ministries that attended the meeting as well as at the Maputo Municipal Council. It was agreed that more research is needed in this area not only in Maputo province but also in the two other production areas: Manica and Nampula provinces. Furthermore, economical studies should be conducted, specifically, assessing the various slaughtering options for the various city markets.