In response to growing concerns over compliance with meat safety standards, the government has revealed plans to enlist the support of private inspectors. The move comes as a substantial 80 abattoirs have been shut down nationwide due to non-compliance, government ministers informed lawmakers on Tuesday, October 17. ALSO READ: Two ministers to appear in parliament over substandard abattoirs During a session in the lower chamber of Parliament, Minister of Local Government Jean Claude Musabyimana and Minister of Trade and Industry Jean-Chrysostome Ngabitsinze disclosed the extent of the issue, citing a recent performance audit spanning the period from 2018 to 2022. The audit highlighted several disturbing practices, including the sale of uninspected and potentially contaminated meat. Musabyimana informed the lawmakers that nearly 40 percent of the country's approximately 200 abattoirs have been closed in various districts for failing to meet the required standards. He emphasized that the closures were implemented in 2022 and the current year, 2023. We carry out continuous inspections to ensure compliance with regulations, and we are ensuring that any new abattoirs meet the established standards before operation, Musabyimana said. ALSO READ: Why government is cracking down on abattoirs, butcheries Furthermore, Musabyimana addressed concerns regarding the improper placement of slaughterhouses, highlighting the collaboration with the National Land Authority to ensure adherence to district master plans for the construction of such facilities. In a bid to bolster oversight, Musabyimana announced the training of 543 individuals in meat inspection, including 415 livestock officers in various sectors across the country and 128 private inspectors, in collaboration with the Rwanda Inspectorate for Competition and Consumer Protection Authority (RICA). Of those trained, 315 have already passed the meat inspection examinations and received authorization. Ngabitsinze echoed the need for stricter enforcement, citing cases of abattoirs operating without proper licenses and engaging in the slaughter of untraceable livestock. He highlighted the vulnerability caused by limited inspection staff, leading to the employment of unauthorized inspectors and the falsification of safety reports. Recognizing the deficiency within RICA, which currently only has four inspectors responsible for multiple product categories, Ngabitsinze emphasized the government's intention to enlist recognized private inspectors. These private inspectors would be regulated and authorized to ensure comprehensive and thorough meat safety checks. Additionally, Ngabitsinze acknowledged the challenges related to the transportation of meat, emphasizing the approval of 47 refrigerated vehicles to maintain controlled temperatures during transit, thereby ensuring the safe delivery of meat products to various destinations.
