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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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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. 

Click here for more...
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Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.