Effectiveness of food traceability system in the supply chain of local beef and beef sausages in Malawi: A food safety perspective

A study was conducted to determine status of traceability system implementation in the supply chain of local beef and beef sausages in Malawi, and tried to identify key factors affecting the implementation, in an attempt to find solutions to traceability issues, to ensure safety of these food products for consumers. Eighty-two (82) samples of cut beef (40) and beef sausages (42) were identified from retail outlets and followed retrospectively to determine if information trail generated along the supply chain link to identity of corresponding meat carcasses and live animals from feedlots. Fifty-eight (58) personnel for business operators involved in this supply chain and four (4) regulatory enforcement officers were interviewed to review level of knowledge on Food Traceability (FT) and Food Safety (FS) that is vital in food traceability implementation. Results of the study indicated that; it was not possible to trace attributes of local beef and beef sausages from retail outlets to cattle feedlots, personnel involved in this supply chain did not have adequate knowledge on FT and FS and that regulatory enforcement officers had adequate knowledge on FT and FS but contents of legislation could not allow them to effectively address issues of food traceability. It was, therefore, concluded that the supply chain of local beef and beef sausages in Malawi is not traceable which is a FS concern and a threat to public health and need to be swiftly addressed.