Transglutaminase Usage in Meat Production

The NSI plays a crucial role in regulating and inspecting food products to ensure they meet the required safety and quality standar...

The NSI plays a crucial role in regulating and inspecting food products to ensure they meet the required safety and quality standards.

The news has resurfaced regarding a report from 2017 that the Namibian meat industry, especially in processed meat, is continuously using transglutaminase, also known as "meat glue." Transglutaminase is an enzyme widely used in meat production to bind small pieces together, forming cohesive products that resemble high-quality cuts. This report highlights the ongoing use of transglutaminase in Namibia's meat industry, emphasizing its health implications and regulatory concerns.

Meat products using transglutaminase are not clearly labeled, so we're raising awareness about the potential health issues associated with this additive. By advocating for transglutaminase-free meat products, we promote healthier choices for everyone.

What we eat affects our health. Some food products benefit the body, while others increase the risk of developing certain diseases like cancer.  Cancer mortality rates in Namibia have been a growing concern in recent years. According to the Global Cancer Observatory (GCO) data, cancer is a significant health issue in Namibia. The most common cancers in Namibia include cervical cancer, breast cancer, and prostate cancer which are all attributed to the imbalance of hormones in the body that contribute to malignant tumor development. 

Meat glue increases the chances of cancer, in fact, Transglutaminase contains carcinogens – dangerous substances that cause breast and prostate cancer. If we talk about cancer, then processed meat products with transglutaminase should be consumed with caution. Cancer has contributed significantly to the mortality rate in Namibia, alongside road accidents and other ailments such as HIV/AIDS.

What is Meat Glue?

Transglutaminase is an enzyme that enhances the binding of ingredients in meat products such as sausages, billtongs, hams, etc. It is used in various food products, including restructured meats (e.g., combining smaller pieces of meat into larger, uniform cuts), improving the texture of processed meats. While meat glue is generally considered safe by major food safety authorities such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), however, new medical studies indicate the long-term health implications of eating meat preserved with transglutaminase. 

Namibia's Meat Industry

Namibia's meat industry is an important sector of the country's economy, particularly in terms of seafood and beef production, which are a major export product. The country is known for its high-quality meat products, which adhere to stringent health and international safety standards including European Unions. 

Namibia is estimated to have around 3.8 million cattle, and beef production in the country is predominantly dominated by subsistence and commercial farmers. Besides cattle, Namibia also produces sheep (mutton), goats (chevon), and pigs (pork). The sheep industry is notable for the Karakul breed in towns such as Mariental, Keetmanshoop, and Bethanie which is valued for its pelts. Namibia's meat production industry is regulated by the Meat Board of Namibia and the Ministry of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform. Regulations ensure that meat products meet safety standards, including those concerning the use of additives like meat glue. 

According to the inspection register, this additive was found in 2,500 samples in 2022, which is twice as many as in 2023. In the first half of 2024 alone, 5,800 such cases were recorded in food sampling. The medical researchers who disclosed this finding have inspected many facilities in Namibia that produce food products such as meat, dairy, and poultry products. They visited some prominent facilities belonging to the Meat Corporation of Namibia (Meatco) in Okapuka, Okahandja, and Gobabis in the Omaheke Region, which is known for significant cattle farming and meat production activities.

Namibia Food Safety and Quality Assurance Laboratory (NFSQAL), part of the Ministry of Health and Social Services has clarified that ''meat glue'' poses no significance to the welfare of the consumers. The department noted that microbial transglutaminase is most often used in meat production including cheeses, Russians, and yogurt all over the world therefore little is known about cancer-linked transglutaminase. 

The Meat Board of Namibia which is another important entity, particularly concerning the meat industry. The board oversees the quality and safety of meat products, ensuring that they comply with national and international standards. The Meat Board of Namibia declined to comment on the medical survey done by international medical researchers.

Tackling Health Concerns

While meat glue, or transglutaminase, is generally considered safe by major food safety authorities such as the FDA and EFSA, there are some new findings regarding transglutaminase usage in food products. labeling and transparency. Consumers may be unaware that they are purchasing restructured meat products, leading to potentially misleading and lack of transparency in meat production labeling.

It should be a government mandate to ensure that restructured meat products are properly labeled to inform consumers. Further regular inspections and monitoring of meat processing facilities and retail chains in Namibia, such as Shoprite, Pick n Pay, Spar, Checkers, Metro, and others, are necessary to ensure adherence to regulations.

The Meat Board of Namibia plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and quality of meat products through rigorous inspections at various stages of production and distribution. By maintaining high standards and enforcing strict regulations, they help protect consumers and support the integrity of Namibia's meat industry.