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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 29th May 2015
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Campylobacter found on 73 per cent of chickens
raw chicken
Campylobacter is the biggest cause of food poisoning in the UK.
FSA publishes the final results from its year-long survey

More than 70 per cent of fresh, shop-bought chickens tested by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) tested positive for the bacteria campylobacter.

Published yesterday (29 May), these findings are the final set of results from a year-long survey.

From February 2014 to February 2015, the FSA tested over 4,000 samples of whole, fresh chickens and packaging bought from large retailers and smaller independent shops and butchers.

Key results from the year:
  • 73 per cent of chickens tested positive for campylobacter
  • 19 per cent of chickens tested positive within the highest band of contamination
  • 7 per cent of packaging tested positive for the presence of campylobacter
  • 0.1 per cent tested positive within the highest band of contamination


Four major retailers published case studies yesterday to demonstrate the results of their efforts to reduce campylobacter on their raw whole chickens. Data from Marks & Spencer, Morrisons, the Co-op and Waitrose shows 'significant' decreases, the FSA said as it welcomed the news.

Director of policy, Steve Wearne, commented: "I am absolutely delighted to see the really encouraging results from these four supermarkets and their suppliers. They are making a real difference to public health, helping to cut down on the estimated 280,000 people who get ill from campylobacter each year."

He challenged other retailers to achieve the same level of reductions and to demonstrate the impact of their campylobacter-reducing strategies.

FSA has confirmed it will begin a new survey this summer, again testing fresh whole chickens. This will allow the government body to assess the impact of steps taken by the food industry to tackle campylobacter.

Richard MacDonald, chair of the Acting on Campylobacter Together board, said: "I hope we continue to see further progress in our fight to significantly reduce or even eradicate campylobacter on chickens. Individual actions and cross-industry sharing of best practice are starting to have a real and tangible impact."

For the full report: http://www.food.gov.uk/sites/default/files/full-campy-survey-report.pdf

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.