Small-scale processing of pork (TM 9)

ILO pub-WEP pub. Technical memorandum on pig meat processing as a small scale industry in developing countries - covers technical aspects of food production and the range of meat products; describes factory layout and equipment; considers choice of technology and project evaluation, the possibility of meeting national level food requirements, the employment creation effects, investment costs and foreign exchange expenditures. Bibliography, illustrations, tables.

This technical memorandum, which is the fourth in a series of publications dealing with food processing technologies, has been prepared under the joint auspices of the ILO and UNEP. The object of the series is to acquaint small-scale producers with alternative production techniques in order to help them to choose and apply those techniques which are particularly suited to local socio-economic conditions.

The memorandum provides detailed technical information on small-scale technologies for the production of a variety of pig-meat products, including fresh sausage, Mortadella, ham, bacon, Metwurst and so on. Information is provided on the raw materials required, processing equipment, plant layout and hygiene, and the processing stages for each pig-meat product. A methodological framework for the evaluation of alternative meat processing technologies and scales of production is included for the benefit of potential meat processors. The focus is placed on the establishment of pork processing units which operate as a separate business. However, with some adaptation, the information supplied should also allow planners to assess the feasibility of attaching a processing unit to an existing slaughterhouse or butchery business.

The socio-economic and environmental effects of alternative scales of production and technologies are also analysed for the benefit of public planners and project evaluators from industrial development agencies, in order to help them formulate and implement policies and measures in favour of meat processing technologies which are both socially and environmentally appropriate.