Abstract
This meta-analysis aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the hygienic quality of meat in the context of Algerian meat production. A systematic literature search was conducted across various databases, yielding a pool of studies assessing the microbial contamination levels in different types of meat, including: poultry, beef, lamb, camel, sausages, and minced meat, within Algerian slaughterhouses and butcheries. A total of 25 studies met the inclusion criteria, with a combined sample size of 550 meat samples. The selected studies employed standardized methods for microbial enumeration: Total aerobic mesophilic bacteria (TAMB). The collected data were synthesized using random-effects meta-analysis models to estimate the pooled mean bacterial counts, as well as to explore potential sources of heterogeneity. The results of this meta-analysis, revealed considerable variation in bacterial counts across different meat types and sources. The overall pooled, mean bacterial count was 5.15 colony-forming units per gram (CFU.g−1), with significant heterogeneity observed (I² = 87.52 %, P < 0.001). Subgroup analyses indicated that bacterial counts were notably higher in butcher shops, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to improve hygiene practices in these areas. Furthermore, sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess the influence of individual studies on the overall results, and publication bias was evaluated through a funnel plot. In conclusion, this meta-analysis provides valuable insights into the hygienic quality of meat in Algerian meat production, emphasizing the significance of TAMB as an informative indicator. The observed variations in bacterial counts underscored the importance of hygiene practices throughout the meat supply chain, from farm to consumer.