Abstract
The paper examined the safety and hygiene practices of abattoir workers in
Enugu State, Nigeria. Three specific objectives and three hypotheses guided
the study. Survey research design was adopted. Population for the study was
67 abattoir workers (butchers) in the area of study. The questionnaire was
used for data collection. Mean and standard deviation were used for data
analysis. The study determined personal hygiene practices necessary for
abattoir workers; their waste management practices; and their level of
adherence to meat safety and hygiene guidelines. Results showed that
abattoirs lack the basic facilities and manpower including butchers and
inspectors. It was recommended that government should employ health
professionals (inspectors) to educate abattoir workers on important meat
safety and hygiene practices for reduction of food borne diseases and increase
in consumption of healthier meat in Enugu State, Nigeria.