Expert warns against improper slaughterhouse waste disposal – EnviroNews

– Advertisement –

A medical laboratory expert, Dr Bako Ali, has warned that improper disposal of animal blood and slaughterhouse waste in public markets can spread disease-causing organisms through food, water and surfaces.

Ali, Deputy Director and Head, Medical Laboratory Department, Karu General Hospital, Abuja, gave the warning in an interview on Friday, September 11, 2026, in Abuja.

He urged market and abattoir operators to provide designated areas for blood and organic waste, proper drainage systems and secluded slaughter facilities to prevent environmental contamination and disease transmission.

“Blood waste should not be spilled anyhow in public spaces accessible to customers and consumers. There should be secluded and spacious slaughter areas where waste can be properly contained and managed,” he said.

Ali also advised operators to thoroughly clean and sanitise knives, machetes, meat cleavers and other slaughtering equipment before and after use to reduce contamination risks during meat processing.

He said accumulated blood waste could allow microorganisms and flies to contaminate food, water and surfaces, warning that environmental conditions should not be relied upon to destroy infectious organisms completely.

The expert further warned against mixing blood-contaminated materials, sharp objects and general refuse, saying such practices could expose waste handlers, traders, customers and the public to health risks.

He advised market authorities to adopt waste segregation practices similar to those used in hospitals, where contaminated, pathological, sharp and general wastes were separated and appropriately treated before disposal.

Ali recommended disinfection and incineration of contaminated waste where facilities were available, while urging authorities to provide safer alternatives where modern treatment and disposal systems were inaccessible.

He called on market regulators, environmental authorities and slaughterhouse operators to strengthen hygiene monitoring and establish effective waste management systems to protect workers, traders, consumers and surrounding communities.

Ali emphasised that proper segregation and disposal of animal blood waste should be treated as a public-health responsibility, urging greater awareness among butchers, traders and market operators to prevent outbreaks.‎

By Abdullahi Maku