Hygienic Conditions in Butcher Shops at the City of Navirai, Brazil—An Applied Case Study

This study comprises the evaluation of the hygienic-sanitary conditions of butcher shops in the city of Naviraí, state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Raw meat and meat products are foods widely consumed by Brazilian citizens, which is also widely exported overseas to several regions, including Europe. Due to its composition, high water content and almost neutral pH, which favors the growth of microorganisms, meat handling requires strict hygienic and sanitary guidelines. The city of Naviraí is located in the Central region of Brazil, where beef cattle and beef and meat products are one of the main activities, both for domestic consumption as well as aiming exports. We surveyed two butcher shops by applying a checklist based on the Resolution RDC 216 of September 15, 2004, issued by the Brazilian Health Ministry. The scores were given from 0% to 100% and each surveyed item was classified as Satisfactory; Satisfactory with Restriction; or Unsatisfactory. After that, all nonconformities were pointed out and owners were instructed on how to fix them. Several items for both butcher shops were in disagreement with the cited legislation, being classified as unsatisfactory and satisfactory with restrictions. It was evidenced the need for most intensive inspection by the Sanitary Vigilance Department of the Brazilian Health Ministry, not only by applying fines and other penalties, but also with guidelines to employees and owners, since the lack of information, awareness and commitment is notorious.