Egypt’s Chamber of Food Industries recently convened its meat and poultry processing division to tackle ongoing challenges in the sector and explore new product standards. Among the key topics was a proposal requiring slaughterhouses to issue electronic invoices for factory-based slaughter operations. This measure, suggested by some industry stakeholders, aims to enhance transparency, reduce tax evasion, and bolster quality assurance. The meeting also revisited Egypt’s Poultry Trading Law No. 70 of 2009, which prohibits the sale and slaughter of live poultry in an attempt to modernize and formalize the industry. Compliance with this law has been a long-standing issue, and stakeholders discussed potential avenues to reinforce adherence to these regulations, benefiting both industry standards and public health.
The Chamber’s meeting also underscored the technical and advisory support it provides to members, reflecting its commitment to addressing specific industry challenges. Mohamed El-Shafie, a board member of the Chamber, introduced a novel initiative spearheaded by the Board in partnership with specialized research centers. This initiative is designed to transform food and agricultural processing waste into valuable by-products. Such an approach not only enhances the value chain but also aligns with global sustainability trends by fostering a pollution-free manufacturing environment. El-Shafie emphasized that leveraging agricultural waste aligns with the Chamber’s goals of increasing value-added processes in food production and achieving cleaner industrial practices, ultimately benefiting the entire food industry.
El-Shafie also highlighted the importance of the electronic invoice proposal, particularly in fostering accountability within the slaughterhouse operations. He pointed out that this requirement would be a significant step in mitigating tax evasion—a recurrent challenge within Egypt’s meat and poultry sectors—and ensuring compliance with industry standards. The proposal will be subject to further study by the Chamber’s Board to assess its feasibility and potential benefits to all stakeholders involved.
Reda Abdel Galil, General Manager of Technical Affairs at the Chamber, elaborated on the Chamber’s commitment to technical support for meat and poultry sector participants. He highlighted that various technical support services and training programs have been made available for stakeholders across the processing chain, including slaughterhouses and factories. These programs aim to help these facilities meet the regulatory standards set by the National Food Safety Authority (NFSA). As part of a broader strategy led by Ashraf El Gazairly, the Chamber has worked diligently to ensure that food safety remains a top priority, especially as smaller companies strive to gain recognition and meet the rigorous requirements to be listed on the NFSA’s white list.
Abdel Galil also mentioned that the Chamber has been proactive in holding regular monthly meetings with the NFSA’s Inspection Director. These meetings provide a platform to address compliance-related issues, enabling stakeholders to gain clarification on inspection and registration processes and to troubleshoot challenges directly with NFSA representatives. In addition, the Chamber has developed a series of training programs specifically for meat and poultry producers. These programs are tailored to meet the operational and regulatory needs of the sector, with particular emphasis on food safety compliance, sustainable manufacturing practices, and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises.
The Chamber’s continued efforts underscore its commitment to raising the industry’s standards and supporting its members in navigating regulatory demands and operational improvements. By fostering greater transparency, promoting regulatory compliance, and supporting initiatives to minimize environmental impact, the Chamber is positioning Egypt’s meat and poultry industry for sustainable growth. In doing so, it not only addresses immediate sector challenges but also lays the groundwork for a more resilient, innovative, and compliant food production landscape in Egypt.
