Indian consumers prefer to buy fresh meat from the wet market, rather than processed or frozen meats. A mere 6% of production (about 100,000 MT) of poultry meat is sold in processed form. Of this only about 1% undergoes processing into value added products (Ready-to-eat/ Ready-to-cook). Processing of large animals is largely for the purpose of Exports.
Meat & Meat Products are highly perishable in nature and can transmit diseases from animals to human-beings. Processing of meat products is licensed under Meat Food Products Order,(MFPO) 1973 which was hitherto being implemented by Ministry of food Processing industries w.e.f. 19.03.2004 on being transferred from the Directorate of Marketing Inspection, Ministry of Agriculture.
The main objectives of the MFPO, 1973 are to regulate production and sale of meat food products through licensing of manufacturers, enforce sanitary and hygienic conditions prescribed for production of wholesome meat food products, exercise strict quality control at all stages of production of meat food products, fish products including chilled poultry etc.
Under the provision of MFPO all manufacturers of meat food products engaged in the business of manufacturing, packing, repacking, relabeling meat food products meant for sale are licensed but excluding those manufacturers who manufactures such products for consumption on the spot like a restaurant, hotel, boarding house, snack bar, eating house or any other similar establishment.
Depending on the source of meat the manufacturers are licensed under category A, B & C. Presently, 279 units are licensed under MFPO as on 01.04.09. Region-wise details are given below:
| Region | Category A | Category B | Category C | Total |
| Western Region | 11 | 32 | 43 | 86 |
| Southern Region | 12 | 37 | 35 | 84 |
| Northern Region | 9 | 33 | 39 | 81 |
| Eastern Region | 7 | 6 | 15 | 28 |
| TOTAL | 39 | 108 | 132 | 279 |
Production of meat is governed under local by-laws as slaughtering is a state subject and Slaughterhouses are controlled by local health Authorities. The current meat production is estimated at 1.9 million MT; out of which about 21% is exported.
India exports more than 500,000 MT of meat of which major share is buffalo meat. Indian buffalo meat is witnessing strong demand in international markets due to its lean character and it’s near organic nature. India is the 5th largest exporter of bovine meat in the world. Indian buffalo meat exports have the potential to grow significantly.
Due to emerging health threats of the diseases communicable to Human through meat, the meat consumers are more vigilant towards the wholesomeness of the meat and demanding meat and poultry products processed in clean and sanitary environment In metros and urban areas there are upcoming demands for “convenience items” such as semi cooked, ready-to-eat, ready-to-cooked meat food products.
