Improving Quality Assurance in Poultry Processing: A Case Study on Overcoming Temperature Inconsistency in Scalding Tanks at Alpha’s Poultry Plant

Though the poultry industry of Sri Lanka is essential for food security, economic growth, and employment, it faces challenges in maintaining high-quality standards amidst heightened global competition. Alpha, one of the largest poultry producers, currently experiences temperature inconsistencies in its scalding tanks, leading to over-scalding, compromised meat quality, and direct financial losses. This study employs a qualitative case study approach targeting quality assurance officers at Alpha’s plant. Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews with seven respondents, including QA officers, managers, and technical staff, providing rich but context-specific insights. The small purposive sample limits generalizability and is explicitly acknowledged as a limitation, suggesting that future studies could include multiple plants and mixed-methods approaches for a stronger evidence base. Analysis revealed that manual temperature monitoring, equipment issues, and operational factors were key contributors to inconsistencies. The study recommends adopting an IoT-based system for real-time temperature monitoring, automation, and error reduction, while considering potential barriers such as cost, technical skills, and infrastructure limitations. These findings illustrate innovation in quality management and provide practical guidance for the poultry industry in Sri Lanka and similar developing economies.