Quito Closes Clandestine Slaughterhouses Operating Without Hygiene

Municipal authorities in Quito have shut down clandestine slaughterhouses in Tumbaco and Calderón, citing severe hygiene violations that pose a public health risk. The operations, conducted by the Metropolitan Control Agency and other city entities, targeted establishments functioning without proper authorization and in unsanitary conditions.

During an intervention in Tumbaco, officials discovered a cow that had been recently slaughtered in the yard of a private property. The scene revealed rusty utensils and containers stored outdoors, highlighting a complete lack of conservation systems, technical handling protocols, and basic sanitary controls. Such practices significantly compromise food safety and increase the risk of foodborne illnesses.

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The lack of conservation systems, technical handling protocols, and basic sanitary controls during this clandestine process seriously compromises the safety of the final product, increasing the risk of foodborne illnesses.

In Calderón, a similar informal chicken processing facility was closed following complaints from residents about foul odors and potential health hazards. These closures are part of a broader effort to combat illegal meat processing in the city.

The Metropolitan District's regulations impose substantial financial penalties for unlicensed slaughtering activities. Fines can amount to 15 unified basic salaries, exceeding $7,000, with an additional penalty of $4,820 for facilities failing to meet technical and sanitary standards. In 2025, the AMC initiated 20 administrative processes and completed 15 closures, primarily due to inadequate hygiene. The agency has already carried out six additional closures in 2026.

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Fines for operating a clandestine slaughterhouse can amount to 15 unified basic salaries, a sum exceeding 7,000 dollars. Additionally, an extra sanction of 4,820 dollars can be applied if the facilities do not meet the required technical and sanitary standards.