CFG
29/06
Letter dated 13 November
from Foodaware to Ricky Doghor, Defra:
Dear Mr Doghor
Salmonella in poultry: consultation on the implementation
of the UK National Control Programme for Breeders
I am extremely sorry that we have not managed to respond to this consultation
by the deadline of 3 November, but hope that you will accept this
consumer contribution as part of the official record because it reaffirms
points made at the September meeting between the CVO and representatives
of consumer organisations.
The National Control Plan as proposed will implement the necessary
requirements for the UK to meet its obligations under EU Legislation.
While we welcome the strengthening of EU control measures, (which
are overdue given the extent of Salmonella contamination in some Member
States), the targets are already being met in the UK so provide no
additional challenge to the UK industry.
Salmonella infection in humans can cause serious illness and be of
high cost to the National Health Service. We acknowledge that much
has been done during the past decade to reduce levels of contamination
in UK poultry flocks which has resulted in the reduction in human
illness. However, as breeding flocks supply hens for the whole of
the poultry industry, the ultimate objective should be eradication.
We believe that the UK should aim for a target of no more than 0.5%
of breeding flocks to be positive for those Salmonellas which are
of human health significance by the end of 2009, and eradication within
5 years. We recognise that there are costs associated with such a
proposal, which is not required by EU legislation, but would nevertheless
encourage Defra to work with the industry to maintain pressure for
continuous improvement in the direction of eradication. Anything less
will, we believe, appear complacent.
Yours sincerely
Susan Knox
Chairman
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