G H A N A
FOOD AND DRUGS BOARD
GUIDELINES FOR THE REGULATION OF ABATTOIRS AND SLAUGHTER SLABS
FDB GL05/VET03/1-2004
D
1.
SCOPE
In pursuance of section 7 of the Food and Drugs Law, 1992 (P.N.D.C.L. 305B) and in order to ensure that operations of abattoirs and slaughter slabs are conducted under sanitary conditions, these guidelines are hereby promulgated for the information, guidance and strict compliance by all concerned. Notwithstanding the above, manufacturers shall comply with existing Ghana Standard. The purpose of these guidelines is to provide operators of and slaughter slabs with the requirements of the FDB and also provide a comprehensive procedure for bringing their activities into compliance with the law.
2.
DEFINITION OF TERMS
For the purpose of this guideline the following definitions apply: “abattoir” means a facility/ place that is approved and registered by the controlling authority for slaughtering and dressing of animals for human consumption. Such a facility should have hygienic equipment for holding, slaughtering, processing, storing and distributing the carcass. “carcass” means the body of any slaughtered animal after bleeding and dressing. “slaughter slab” means a facility/ place with thick, flat piece of concrete surface(s), adequate supply of water and minimum hygienic standards, which have been approved by the controlling authority for slaughtering and dressing carcass.
3.
REQUIREMENTS
3.1 The Board in consultation with the metropolitan/district assemblies shall give recognition/permit to certain facilities to be used as slaughter houses/slabs. 3.2 Location of the Abattoir or Slaughter slab – where the facility was put up without any permission from the Board and the conditions are found to pose a food safety risk to the consumer, the place shall be closed down and the operators sanctioned accordingly. 3.4 All Abattoirs shall be routinely inspected using the following criteria;
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