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Plans to tackle campylobacter stepped up
chicken
Campylobacter is the biggest cause of food poisoning in the UK.
Key organisations discuss practical methods to reduce food poisoning

A working group comprising government and food industry stakeholders has stepped up its efforts to tackle campylobacter in raw poultry meat.

At its most recent meeting, the group - which includes the National Farmer's Union (NFU), Food Standards Agency (FSA) and Defra - discussed practical methods of controlling the bacteria on farm.

NFU president Meurig Raymond said industry collaboration is essential to finding a solution to campylobacter.

"Campylobacter is not a new issue for the poultry industry," he said. "It is a very complex organism which is able to adapt to different environments.

"It's incredibly positive to see how much research the industry has undertaken and has in the pipeline for the near future."

Those in attendance heard updates on research projects that are currently being carried out to establish the most effective measures, for example through improved packaging and improving consumer awareness of correct handling and storage of raw poultry meat.

Bob Martin, head of food-borne disease strategy at FSA, said: "Campylobacter is the biggest cause of food poisoning in the UK so it is vital we work together to tackle this problem.

"We must look at every stage of the food chain to identify solutions that will make a real impact and we welcome the work the NFU and other partners are doing to help us achieve this."

Mr Martin added that as well reducing the level of contamination in raw products, improving consumer awareness of safe food handling is essential.

A conference will be held at NFU headquarters on March 28 to bring together stakeholders in sharing best practice and areas for development.

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

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News Shorts
New form for online veterinary medicines retailers

The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has produced a new online form for retailers wishing to sell veterinary medicines on the internet.

The form replace the previous Word version and is part of the VMD's ongoing commitment to digitise its processes. Anyone retailing prescription medicines online, including POM-V, POM-VPS and NFA-VPS categories, is lawfully required to register with the VMD before trading.

The change only applies to new applicants. Retailers already listed on the VMD's Register of Online Retailers or registered under the Accredited Internet Retailer Scheme (AIRS) do not need to do anything.