Mobile unit for pig processing: Diagnosis and alternative for small producers in the central region of Honduras

Abstract

Introduction. Food safety in agricultural systems in developing countries largely depends on the capacity to ensure product innocuousness across all production stages, from slaughter to the preservation of meat products (INCAP, 2012). Case presentation. This study, conducted in the central region of Honduras, examines the impact of infrastructure and technology deficits in the swine sector, assessing the performance of small-scale producers in relation to international sanitary standards. Through a quantitative and cross-sectional approach, critical gaps are identified in the management of facilities, equipment, and hygienic procedures, which directly increase the vulnerability of the local food chain and affect product quality and safety. Discussion. International evidence supports that unequal access to public services and adequate equipment constitutes a structural barrier to equity and sustainable rural development. Conclusion. Building on this empirical basis, the study highlights the need for innovation through the implementation of a mobile pig slaughter unit designed to address the specific challenges of the territory. This technological alternative would facilitate the application of good slaughtering practices, the adoption of autonomous refrigeration systems, and improvements in product traceability, integrating sanitary, environmental, and social objectives. Food safety—recognized as a non-negotiable prerequisite for public health and international trade—thus emerges as a guiding axis for competitiveness and resilience in rural production, in alignment with WHO and FAO recommendations.