With the rapidly increasing growth in meat production and consumption, hygiene aspects have become a significant concern in India. Consumers are at risk of various health problems due to substandard facilities and unhygienic practices at poultry meat shops. The current study aims to assess hygienic conditions and meat handling practices at retail poultry meat shops by using a hygiene rating scheme. A survey-based study was conducted among 160 retail poultry meat shops in Nagpur to assess sanitary status. A hygiene rating assessment checklist from the Food Safety and Standard Authority of India (FSSAI) was used for interviews, which contained various domains of design & facilities, control of the operation, maintenance and sanitation, personal hygiene, training, and record keeping. Each of the domains was scored as per replies of respondents and personal observations. The study indicated that 56.3 percent of poultry meat shops in Nagpur need improvement with B grade hygiene rating, while 26.9 percent of poultry meat shops show non-compliance with C grade hygiene rating. Results show that regular monitoring and formal training of meat handlers is necessary to improve knowledge of hygienic practices of meat handlers and sanitary levels of poultry meat shops.

Highlights

• The hygiene status of poultry meat shops has become a significant concern in major cities in India.
• Need for improvement in most poultry meat shops regarding facilities.
• The study was conducted to assess hygienic conditions and meat handling practices at retail poultry meat shops by using a hygiene rating scheme.