Salmonella and campylobacter contamination of raw chicken in Wales and Northern Ireland
Salmonella and campylobacter contamination of raw chicken in Wales and Northern Ireland
Area of work
The Food Standards Agency, in collaboration with the Welsh and Northern Irish local authorities, has launched a survey to monitor the incidence and gather information on the type of campylobacter and salmonella on the surface of raw whole chicken on sale in Wales and Northern Ireland.
This survey follows on from previous surveys where whole chickens were sampled in Wales in 2001, 2002 and 2003. The survey was extended to Northern Ireland in 2004, continuing in 2005 and now into 2006.
The 2006 survey started in January and will be continuing for a further 24 months. It is anticipated that 2,000 raw retail chickens will be sampled from NI and Wales over this time.
objectives
The objective of this survey is to monitor baseline incidence of campylobacter and salmonella in raw retail chicken in Wales and Northern Ireland. This will facilitate assessment of the risks associated with raw chicken.
duration
This is a rolling survey and has been running since 2001. This phase of the survey will run from January 2006 – December 2006.
Expected reporting date
The 2005 survey is now complete and the final report has been submitted to the Agency. The results for the 2006 survey are scheduled to be published in mid 2007.
contractor
NPHS Wales and NIPHL Northern Ireland in collaboration with Welsh and Northern Ireland local authorities.