Guidance on outbreaks of foodborne disease in Scotland

Part of the remit of the revision was to consider the roles and responsibilities of the Food Standard Agency Scotland and other national organisations, especially the Scottish Centre for Infection and Environmental Health, the definition of a 'National Outbreak', the development of a protocol for food and environmental investigations, the support mechanisms for Local Authorities and the current epidemiological investigation and its adequacy.

Those involved in the investigation and control of outbreaks of foodborne disease were consulted and a small working group set up to advise on the revision process. The group met on four occasions between April and November 2001, and the draft revision was distributed for comments in July and August. The working group recognised the need for guidance on general outbreaks and outbreaks of water borne disease and separate groups have been commissioned to develop specific guidelines in these areas.

These guidelines are recommended to all those involved in the investigation and control of outbreaks of foodborne disease in Scotland. Regular training and exercising of these guidelines are important to develop expertise and establish the necessary team-working arrangements.

Local plans should be revised on a regular basis in light of these revised guidelines, recognising the role of the Food Standards Agency and the need for co-ordinated approaches in tackling large outbreaks and those which involve more than one geographical area. The working group also recommends the development of standard setting and regular audit of the management of outbreaks.

Please could you note that pages that have been amended for Number 8 - May 2006 are as follows:

• Page 67
• Page 69
• Page 88
• Page 89