Red meat safety from livestock to retail in Tanzania: Policy and practice

Abstract Background Food safety will likely be a major policy agenda item as populations and demand for meat grow and livestock intensification progresses in Tanzania and other low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Meeting this demand comes with considerable meat safety challenges, risks, and opportunities. This paper offers evidence-based reflections on the governance of the Tanzanian red meat value chain, articulating potential policy implications for red meat food safety in Tanzania and other LMICs. Methods This paper synthesizes existing knowledge and data about the food safety dimensions of the Tanzanian red meat value chain, analyzing it through a strengths-weaknesses-opportunities-threats (SWOT) framework. This knowledge and data includes: 1) a review of relevant Tanzanian policy and legislation up to 2020; and 2) published and unpublished multi-disciplinary field and laboratory work conducted under the Hazards Associated with Zoonotic enteric pathogens in Emerging Livestock meat pathways (HAZEL) project in Northern Tanzania. Results Strengths include some enabling policies, legislation, workforce, informal networks and infrastructure supporting meat safety. Weaknesses included confusion over mandates, limited resources and infrastructure for compliance/enforcement, lack of data on meat-borne disease, and limited attention to invisible pathogenic meat contamination. Opportunities include strong in-country training infrastructures and the significant economic potential of boosting meat production systems. Although increased revenue could support meat safety investments, this couples with risks of food safety infrastructure failing to keep up with growth (while envisioned increased centralised production may introduce new forms of meat safety risk), and potential inequalities in economic opportunities, gains and meat safety investments, especially for rural, small scale and/or female meat chain actors and their communities. Conclusions Agricultural intensification and centralized abattoirs may benefit meat safety and spur economic growth but may not alone generate value for Tanzania and has risks. Investments may overlook rural livestock systems and small-scale actors needing critical meat safety improvements. In addition to basic infrastructure investments, context-appropriate innovations encouraging local-level meat safety may provide cost-effective opportunities for Tanzania and other LMICs to strengthen food safety.