An overview of rendering plants in Brazil and the insertion of small producers in the meat agribusiness: public health, economic and political aspects

Abstract

This study examines the industry as a factor that contributes to reconcile the small production with good sanitary practices required by the government Veterinary Inspection, noting that inclusion is the best way to combat illegal slaughterhouse and its consequences. This compatibility is important because along with well-established slaughterhouses complying with the standards of hygiene and quality for export of their products, Brazil still faces a deficit of infrastructure to carry out sanitary control of much of the meat consumed. This is true even in areas close to cities, and this is inadequate as allies the low socio-economic-cultural level of much of society and the need for supply of low-income populations. This study also notes some flaws in the Brazilian agricultural policy that favors the low human development in this field, showing that federal policy focus on the export of meat has had great weight when compared with attention to economic activity of small producers and small business sector, further increasing the risk to human health and livestock in certain regions.