CFG
31/07 final
Letter from Foodaware
dated 18 October 2007 to Mrs Terri Jeffs, Defra:
Dear Mrs Jeffs
Salmonella in poultry: consultation on the implementation
of the UK National Control Programme for Salmonella in Laying Flocks
I am extremely sorry that we have not managed to respond to this consultation
by the deadline of 10 October because of a reduction in our funding
and limited resources, but hope that you will accept this consumer
contribution, which reflects the policy of our members, as part of
the official record. Steve Wyllie acknowledged at the Defra meeting
with consumer organisations that he was awaiting any specific consumer
input following his update on the EU and UK Programmes.
Foodaware: the Consumers’ Food Group coordinates the broad UK
consumer movement’s work on food safety, nutrition and standards.
Our mission is to give UK consumers a strong voice on food policy
by bringing together the organisations that represent them. We also
consult and support the UK consumer representatives on food related
committees, and further the public understanding of science. Our members
are consumer, women’s, family, ethnic minority and enforcement
organisations, who also contribute time and expertise to our representations.
The UK National Control Plan is intended to reduce Salmonella Enteriditis
and Salmonella Typhimurium in laying flocks and seeks to protect public
health by reducing Salmonella contamination on and in eggs. Surveillance
has shown a significant reduction in the levels of Salmonella in eggs
on retail sale from 1 egg in 100 boxes in 1995/6 to 1 in 290 boxes
in a FSA survey in 2003. No cases of Salmonella within the shell were
found. This has largely been achieved as a result of vaccination.
However, Salmonellosis remains a potentially lethal infection for
people, and egg and
poultry products pose an ongoing risk. It is estimated that 8% of
the UK flock are infected, therefore it is important that pressure
on the industry is sustained to continue to push down the levels.
The collective data can mask significant differences between the best
and worst performing enterprises so the proposed 10% year on year
reduction over a 3 year period seems reasonable. It is important that
measures such as improved biosecurity continue to be pursued and for
vigilance to be maintained in reducing contamination where it remains
a problem.
Given the significant improvements in the UK situation, it is of particular
concern that surveys in other Member States show a prevalence of more
than 20% infection. In view of the additional risk from imported eggs,
it is important that consumers are informed of the origin of the eggs
they buy and that surveillance of eggs at retail continues so that
enforcement action can be taken where appropriate. Defra should continue
to work with the FSA in this area, to ensure that surveillance on
farm and at retail outlets continues.
We support the proposal that shell eggs from flocks linked to a food
borne outbreak of Salmonellosis should be heat treated before they
are permitted to be sold. There is a particular risk from farm gate
and other sales direct to the public, and we are concerned that there
may be insufficient resources to ensure that this requirement is enforced.
We would appreciate reassurance about how this objective will be achieved.
Yours sincerely
Susan Knox
Chairman
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