Assessment of Ante-Mortem and Post-Mortem Inspection Standards at Onitsha Abattoir, Anambra State

Ante-mortem and post-mortem inspection forms the cornerstone of meat safety, yet many Nigerian abattoirs face infrastructural and personnel deficits. This study assessed the standards of ante-mortem and post-mortem inspection at the Onitsha Abattoir, Anambra State, South East Nigeria. The study employed direct observation, document review, and structured interviews over a three-month period. A total of 240 inspection sessions were observed across all operational days, and records of condemnations and rejections from 2022 to 2024 were reviewed. Thirty-five abattoir personnel including veterinary officers, meat inspectors, and slaughter workers were interviewed regarding training, equipment adequacy, and protocol compliance. Findings revealed significant shortfalls in ante-mortem holding facilities, inadequate lighting for post-mortem inspection, and irregular deployment of qualified veterinary officers. Condemnation rates for pathological conditions including liver fluke infestation, tuberculosis lesions, and traumatic reticulitis were found to be underreported due to insufficient inspection time. Personnel reported working without sufficient laboratory support for confirmatory diagnosis. The study concludes that inspection standards at Onitsha Abattoir fall short of national meat hygiene regulations and recommendations are made for government investment in facility upgrading, personnel recruitment, and standardized training for all inspection staff. Keywords: ante-mortem inspection, post-mortem inspection, meat safety, Onitsha, Anambra State