Evaluating Procedure-Linked Risk Determinants in Trichinella spp. Inspection under a Quality Management System in Southern Spain

Abstract

Trichinellosis is a major foodborne zoonotic disease responsible for 41 human cases, according to the European Union One Health Zoonoses Report. In southern Spain, a quality management system (QMS) was applied to satellite laboratories (SLs) that conduct meat inspections of Trichinella spp. ensuring excellence practices. This study aimed to determine how eventual deviations from standard procedures may influence risk levels using Canonical Discriminant Analysis (CDA). Data were collected during slaughterhouses and game handling establishments’ official audits in 18 SLs located in the provinces of Cordoba and Seville during a 6-year period. Technical requirement deviations regarding technique and trial information, such as performing tests or calculations incorrectly or not following technical procedures, significantly increased risk level differences. Imminent risk levels were detected if the above-mentioned deviations arose. Quality assurance compromising deviations were responsible for 1150 times risk level differences, suggesting finding such may be critical for risk determination. A lack of significant influence of records and documents compromising deviations (incomplete forms or missing-erroneous or illegible data) was found. These results strengthen Trichinella spp. control strategies by pinpointing crucial aspects within QMS that require improvement, particularly in addressing deviations related to technique, trial information, and quality assurance procedures to mitigate associated risks effectively.