Existing evidence indicates that there is very low risk to public health in the UK from the disease.

Still some confusion over the issue

A trichinella testing update has been issued by AHDB Pork as there still seems to be “some confusion” over the testing regime.

In a statement the organisation confirms that breeding boars and sows and all finished pigs from non-controlled housing (i.e organic and free range) “must be tested before they can go into the human food chain.”

They add that The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is working on a risk assessment and guidelines for producers “to identify whether or not their system could be considered as non-controlled housing conditions.”

The FSA estimates that three per cent of all pigs sent to slaughter will be in the category on non-controlled housing.

Guidance is being developed to determine how to classify other production systems in line with EU rules. In the meantime, producers are expected to reach their own decision on the issue.

Trichinosis is a disease caused by the larvae of a small nematode worm which can affect many species.

The infection can be passed to humans through the consumption of raw, undercooked or processed meat from pigs that contains the worm.

Previously all breeding sows and boars in the UK were tested for Trichinella. Simultaneously, some firms test pig carcases as part of the requirements for their export trade.

AHDB say that existing evidence “indicates that there is very low risk to public health in the UK from the disease”. They add that the FSA also provides extensive advice to consumers on the safe and hygienic preparation and cooking of pork.

For further information about Trichinella visit http://pork.ahdb.org.uk/health-welfare/health/safe-traceable-pork/trichinella/