Digemaps introduces national surveillance programs for meat safety
Santo Domingo.- General Directorate of Medicines, Food and Health Products (Digemaps) announced the launch of the National Programs for the Control of Pathogens and Chemical Residues, an initiative designed to strengthen food safety and protect public health by improving oversight of meat products in the Dominican Republic.
The launch event was held at the facilities of the Dominican Agribusiness Board (JAD) with technical support from the Dominican Agribusiness Laboratory (LAD). The initiative brings together public institutions and private sector representatives to reinforce health surveillance and quality control across the country’s agri-food chain.
According to Digemaps, the programs aim to ensure that meat products intended for human consumption are free from harmful pathogens, chemical residues, and prohibited substances through stricter sanitary controls, microbiological surveillance, and sampling procedures aligned with international standards.
During the event, officials presented technical and regulatory guidelines covering inspections, microbiological testing, and monitoring of pathogens such as Salmonella, E. coli O157:H7, STECs, and Listeria monocytogenes. The programs also include controls for veterinary drug residues, pesticides, and other chemical contaminants.
Specialized presentations addressed topics including microbiological control systems, N60 sampling methods, preventive measures in meat processing plants, and protocols for handling positive test results.
Digemaps stated that the initiative will help strengthen the national meat inspection system, improve product traceability, increase consumer confidence, and enhance the competitiveness of the Dominican livestock and meat sector in both local and international markets.
The JAD and the Dominican Agribusiness Laboratory also reaffirmed their commitment to supporting food safety initiatives and the technical development of the Dominican agricultural industry through stronger quality assurance and health monitoring systems.
