This article (open access) provides an overview of the Nigerian meat industry, explores specific cases of meat fraud, and discusses authentication methods used in neighbouring African countries. It offers insights for Nigerian researchers and the government. The meat industry in Nigeria encompasses a range of sources, with beef taking precedence and also including chicken, chevon, mutton and pork. Reported frauds are frequent, particularly the deliberate sale of meat unfit for consumption. Frequent frauds also include the undeclared tenderising of processed meat using paracetamol (a food safety hazard) or soda drinks. The authors conclude that Nigerian meat products are highly vulnerable to fraudulent practices, stemming in part from consumer preferences for cost-effective items and the limited coordination within the meat sector due to the absence of robust enforcement in areas such as product metrology, sales, and packaging. They recommend that the Nigerian regulatory authorities adopt best practice from other countries, including neighbouring African countries.
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