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Campylobacter levels continue to fall
“It is good to see that levels continue to go down as this indicates that the major retailers and processors are getting to grips with campylobacter."
Under half the chicken skin samples tested positive

Campylobacter levels in shop-bought chickens are continuing to decline, according to the latest survey by the Food Standards Agency (FSA), which found that less than half of those sampled tested positive.

FSA tested 1,051 whole fresh chickens that were produced in the UK, between January and March 2017. The number of chicken skin samples testing positive for campylobacter at any level fell to 48.8 per cent, from 50 per cent in the same period last year.

Across the market, an average of 6.5 per cent of chickens tested positive for the highest level of contamination, which is down from 9.3 per cent.

Among nine major named retailers, the figure for high-level campylobacter prevalence was five per cent, compared to 7.8 per cent last year. However, a group of smaller sampled retailers and butchers were found to have significantly higher levels (16.9 per cent) compared to the market average.

FSA chairman Heather Hancock commented: “It is good to see that levels continue to go down as this indicates that the major retailers and processors are getting to grips with campylobacter.

“These results give us a clear picture of the positive direction in which we are heading, and help us measure the impact of interventions that are being used to reduce contamination. While results are reassuring, we want to see more progress among the smaller businesses, to achieve real and lasting reductions.”

Campylobacter levels in shop-bought chickens have fallen consistently since the FSA began testing in 2014. Improvements in the level of contamination are reflected in declining numbers of people falling ill with campylobacter. It is estimated there were 100,000 fewer cases of campylobacter last year, leading to direct savings to the economy of more than £13 million, in terms of fewer days of work and NHS costs.

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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
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.