Sistema multiplataforma para suporte às atividades de inspeção sanitária em abatedouros frigoríficos de bovinos e suínos no Estado do Maranhão

Abstract

This study aimed to develop and validate a multiplatform system to support sanitary inspec- tion activities in cattle and swine slaughterhouses in the state of Maranhão. To achieve this, the following steps were carried out: (i) a comprehensive literature review; (ii) a situational diagnosis conducted in nine slaughterhouses registered with the State Inspection Service of Maranhão, through two cycles of supervision (2021 and 2022) using a standardized checklist for verification of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and an inspection line verification list; (iii) the preparation of educational material for training professionals responsible for sani- tary inspection; (iv) the development of software using C#, .NET, and SQL languages, de- signed to record, monitor, and analyze inspection data; and (v) preliminary testing followed by field validation involving 11 volunteer veterinarians, who used the system over a 10-day period, enabling data collection through structured questionnaires applying the Likert scale and the System Usability Scale (SUS). A situational diagnosis of the hygienic-sanitary condi- tions of slaughterhouses registered with the state inspection service in 2021 and 2022 revealed considerable variability in compliance, with some establishments showing high adherence to sanitary standards, while others exhibited critical deficiencies, particularly concerning infra- structure, hygiene, and quality control. During the first supervision cycle in 2021, 33.3% of the establishments were classified as "Good" and 66.6% as "Fair." In the second cycle, con- ducted in 2022, improvements were observed, with 55.5% classified as "Good" and 33.3% as "Fair." Regarding inspection lines, the results indicated a concerning scenario: none of the nine facilities had fully implemented all required inspection lines, exposing a potential risk to consumer health. To provide technical support to inspection professionals, a Manual of Pro- cedures for Cattle and Swine Inspection Lines was developed — an educational and exten- sively illustrated material designed to support the standardization and qualification of post- mortem inspection practices in slaughterhouses. Additionally, a multiplatform system named INSPETEC was developed, incorporating specific functionalities for recording inspections and supporting routine inspection management by enabling information recording and the issuance of official documentation and reports. After field testing for validation, INSPETEC achieved an average functionality score of 38 points (out of 50) and an average SUS usability score of 76 points, both surpassing the desired thresholds, thus demonstrating its effectiveness and acceptability. In conclusion, INSPETEC represents a robust and innovative tool that modernizes sanitary inspection processes, enhancing traceability and efficiency in data man- agement, ensuring proper enforcement of current legislation, and contributing to improved food safety. Continued development and future studies are recommended to expand its inte- gration with other systems and to adapt it to different regional contexts.