Hygiene requirements in meat processing facilities have been strengthened at European level starting in 2023, following DG SANTE assessments of compliance in slaughtering and deboning workflows. The new standards focus on the control of indicator microorganisms, temperature monitoring, management of high-risk areas, and documentary traceability. Eurostat data show that, in 2024, 78% of large EU facilities implemented automated monitoring systems, compared to 52% among small and medium-sized units.

In Romania, official sanitary evaluations confirm the need to modernize sanitation equipment and ventilation circuits. Implementation costs for an average-sized facility are estimated at 4–7% of annual turnover, according to technical analyses by the European Commission. These investments include surface upgrades, digital sensor systems, and cooling infrastructure.

Reducing microbial load along production workflows is a critical indicator. FAO data show that modernized facilities reduce the number of non-compliances by 25–40%, while losses resulting from contamination are reduced by 2–3% annually. The use of advanced, fully digitalized HACCP systems allows real-time correction of parameters and limits batch-to-batch variability.

For 2025, the European Commission will expand monitoring of Member State alignment with hygiene requirements, with a strong focus on traceability and microbiological control. Facilities that adopt integrated systems will gain a competitive advantage through parameter stability and reduced operational risks.

(Photo: Freepik)