Horse Meat

Horse meat, once considered a taboo food source in many Western countries has undergone a transformation in recent years and is now more widely accepted by many. This article will explore the methods used for the production and distribution of horse meat, from the stockyard into our dinner plates.

Horse Slaughter

Horse slaughter is the process that is used to produce horse meat for human consumption. Although it is illegal in the United States and some other countries, it is still widely practiced in much of the world. The horse is driven into a chute with the intention of rendering it unconscious quickly. Once unconscious the horse is hoisted up and its throat is cut. The heart continues to beat for a while and this pumps the blood out of the system, rendering the muscle usable as meat. The organs are also removed, with much of the offal being used for pet food or fertilizer.

Depending on the region, regulations may vary. Generally speaking, it is required that either a veterinarian or government inspector to be present during the slaughtering process to ensure humane treatment of the animal. It is also mandatory that the horse be rendered unconscious prior to slaughtering; in the USA, this must occur within minutes after the horse enters the facility. It is also important that the horse meat be processed using sanitary methods.

Transport and Storage

Once the horse has been slaughtered and the meat prepared, it must be transported to the processing center and stored properly. Typically, horse meat is transported in temperature-controlled containers to prevent spoilage and deterioration of the product.

In order to store the horse meat properly, it is important that the meat does not come into contact with oxygen during the transport and storage process. This can be accomplished via vacuum-sealing and using a nitrogen flush to create a protective atmosphere. The horse meat is then stored in a refrigerated environment at temperatures of -2°C to 2°C. The meat must be inspected periodically to check for contamination and to ensure that the original product quality is maintained.

Processing

The next step in the process is to process the horse meat into edible products. Horse meat is processed in much the same way as any other type of red meat; it is ground, cubed, sliced, diced and formed into sausages or burgers.

In the U.S., the processing of horse meat must be done in accordance with the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and the USDA’s Horseshed and Horse Meat Regulations. In order to comply with these regulations, the horse meat must be inspected throughout the entire production cycle. The production facility must also adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs). These GMPs help ensure that only safe, legal and wholesome products are produced.

Distribution

Once the horse meat has been processed, it is then ready for distribution. Horse meat can be exported to other countries through several legal channels. It can also be sold domestically to local grocery stores and restaurants.

In some countries, horse meat may need to comply with certain standards and regulations before it can be legally imported or consumed. For example, in the U.K., the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) defines horse meat as any meat obtained from a horse that has been slaughtered under certain conditions and meets certain biological, chemical and physical criteria.

Horse meat can also be sold online through a number of vendors, and some companies have started creating boxed meal delivery services that feature horse meat.

Consumption

Horse meat can be consumed in a variety of ways. It can be cooked or smoked, and or used in a variety of dishes such as stir fries, tacos and burgers. It can also be used as a protein substitute in vegeterian recipes. Horse meat is lower in fat and calories than beef, making it an ideal meat for people who are looking to cut back on red meat consumption for health reasons.

Conclusion

Horse meat has long been a part of the culinary traditions of many cultures, and is becoming increasingly popular in the West as consumers become more aware of its nutritional value and unique flavor. By understanding the production and distribution process of horse meat—from slaughtering the animal to getting it to the dinner plate—consumers can make informed decisions about the food they are consuming.