Determination of demographic, health, and work-related characteristics of guinea pig <i>Cavia porcellus</i> slaughterers in Colombia

Objective. To describe the demographic, health, and labor factors related to the work of slaughterers to determine the associated social conditions and describe the labor circumstances of the personnel involved. Materials and Methods. A descriptive observational study was conducted covering the entire population of restaurants dedicated to selling guinea pig meat in the townships of Pasto municipality. A measurement tool was applied to individuals who worked or supplied the product ready for preparation. Results. The slaughterers are predominantly women, originally from and residing in the municipalities of Tambo and Pasto, earning salaries below $250 and facing conditions of social, labor, economic, and health vulnerability. The way in which they carry out their activities does not ensure product safety in the production chain and poses a limitation for improving the competitiveness of the sector. Conclusions. The population is in a state of social, labor, economic, and health vulnerability due to the absence of laws and regulations that ensure dignified working conditions and allow for the safe development of their activities while guaranteeing product safety in the production chain.