Modeling the risk of introducing cyst-infected meat pork into the food chain in Benin
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Poorly cooked pork containing Taenia solium cestode larvae contributes to human cysticercosis, a neglected zoonotic disease. Pork is consumed by a majority of the Benin population, and the cooking of popular dishes may not be sufficient to destroy cestode larvae. This study's aim was to estimate the risk of allowing pork contaminated with Taenia solium cysticerci into the food chain. METHODS: A stochastic risk assessment was developed in R to model the risk resulting from the three scenarios leading to contaminated pork being introduced into the food chain. The model was parameterized using official animal health surveillance data, published literature and expert opinion. RESULTS: The overall probability of cyst-infected meat pork entering the food chain was estimated at 0.41 (95%Crl 0.34-0.48); from informal abattoirs without meat inspection: 0.16 (95%Crl 0.08-0.22) (scenario 1); from non-detection at inspection in formal abattoirs (scenario 2): 0.24 (95%Crl 0.16-0.35); and 0.007(95%Crl 0.001-0.021) from remaining contamination following partial condemnation of positive carcasses (scenario 3). The total number of cyst-infected meat pork that entered the food chain from 2020 to 2023 was estimated at 89,167 (95%Crl 60,43-115,174). CONCLUSION: The risk of cyst-infected meat pork entering the food chain is high. In addition to efforts to improve sanitation and pig farming practices, mitigation measures should also reinforce slaughterhouse inspection with tests that are more sensitive.
Source: BMC Public Health
Authors: Raoul Assogbakpe, Bella Adodo Hounkpe, Balikissou Gnonlonfin, Mirabelle Gbedevi, Ahmed Mama Ali, Solenne Costard
Institution: Ministre de la Santé
Language: English
Subfield: Pathology and Forensic Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,290
Awards: G5423472357, G7634244527
OpenAlex ID: W7160878952