Implementation of Quality Systems by Mexican Exporters of Processed Meat

Abstract

Requirements of hazard analysis and critical control points (HACCP) are becoming essential for international trade in food commodities as a safety assurance component. This research reports the level of the adoption of ISO 9000 and the HACCP system by Federal Inspection Type (TIF) pork-exporting enterprises. Implementation and operating costs are reported as well as the benefits involved in this food industry process. In Mexico, there are 97 companies classified as TIF enterprises, and 22 are registered as exporters of processed pork with the National Services for Safety and Quality and Animal Health of the Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock, Rural Development, Fisheries and Food. Surveys were administered to 22 companies, with a 95.2% response rate. Enterprise characteristics were evaluated, as well as their operating activities. Fieldwork consisted of administering structured questionnaires to TIF exporters. All the surveyed enterprises had implemented HACCP, whereas the ISO 9000 regulation was applied in only 30%. Of total production, 75% is exported to 13 countries, and 25% goes to the Mexican market niche. Results indicate that the main factors for adopting HACCP are related to accessibility to international markets, improving quality, and reducing product quality audits by customers. The results also indicated that staff training was the most important issue. Microbiological testing was the highest cost of the operation. The main benefits reported were related to better access to international markets and a considerable reduction in microbial counts. This study shows the willingness of Mexican pork processors to implement food safety protocols for producing safe and quality products to compete in the international food trade.

Determinants of quality and food safety systems adoption in the agri-food sector

“…, 2021). On the other hand, the external motivation factors most mentioned in the literature include using these certifications to access new markets and comply with mandatory legislation (Maldonado-Siman et al. , 2014b; Macheka et al.…”

“…that companies respond to a sense of social responsibility to the benefit of consumer welfare (Rinc on-Ballesteros et al, 2019, Rinc o n-Ballesteros et al, 2021). On the other hand, the external motivation factors most mentioned in the literature include using these certifications to access new markets and comply with mandatory legislation (Maldonado-Siman et al, 2014b;Macheka et al, 2013;Paunescu et al, 2018;Stranieri et al, 2016;Fernando et al, 2014), obtaining a competitive edge and improving the company's position in the market by meeting consumer demands (Carmona-Calvo et al, 2016;Kafetzopoulos et al, 2013;P aunescu et al, 2018;Fernando et al, 2014).…”

“…Similarly, quality assurance favors the internalization of the company, insofar as this allows access to new markets and increases the level of exports (Escanciano et al, 2014b;P aunescu et al, 2018;Macheka et al, 2013;Chen et al, 2015;Qijun and Batt, 2016;Aguilar, Amaya and L opez, 2016;Huerta-Dueñas et al, 2018;Botello Peñaloza, 2016;Teixera et al, 2013;Song et al, 2017;Rinc on-Ballesteros et al, 2019;Maldonado-Siman et al, 2014b;Casolani et al, 2018). This is the case in the European countries where most of these voluntary standards emerged and where they are required for access to preferential distribution (Rinc on-Ballesteros et al, 2019).…”

From agricultural supply chains to food system transformation : Tracing the impact of private sector activities on food systems in developing countries

“…Le et al (2020) show that the implementation of good agricultural practices may reinforce confidence and trust amongst downstream stakeholders. In a similar vein, quality upgrading starts with knowledge brokerage on suitable production and postharvest practices (Chengat Maldonado-Siman et al, 2014) but is ultimately dependent on wider cooperation with other food system partners (Le et al, 2020;Prinsen et al, 2020;Supapunt et al, 2021). Little attention is found for socio-economic and environmental outcomes at regional and global levels (Galli et al, 2020).…”

Calidad de los chiles habaneros en los mercados de México: un análisis comparativo.

“…Por ello, la producción de productos de alta calidad puede dar respuesta a una de las principales demandas del chile habanero: la exportación. Los chiles habaneros para exportación son de mayor calidad que los vendidos en Ciudad de México, lo que favorece la accesibilidad a los mercados internacionales (Maldonado-Siman et al, 2014). Sin embargo, el sector exportador enfrentará presiones competitivas en la comercialización del chile habanero, en particular en el mercado norteamericano (Arana-Coronado et al, 2019).…”