Challenges in cleaning and disinfection, and environmental monitoring in Swedish slaughterhouses

Slaughterhouses face notable challenges in C&D, and environmental monitoring, including procedural deficiencies, knowledge gaps, and limited science-based guidelines. Hygiene outcomes are strongly influenced by personnel competence and management support. Limited collaboration between slaughterhouses further impedes the sharing of effective practices. Strengthened partnerships with the scientific community, improved training, risk-based monitoring, and hygienic facility design are essential to enhance C&D standards and reduce microbial contamination risks at slaughterhouses and meat processing facilities.