Food Standards Agency
Thursday 2 July 2009
Safer food better business banner
AZ-Directory
What's NewRSS
What is RSS?Listen
Listen to this siteThursday 16 September 2004
This research project identifies optimal sampling and testing procedures for the detection of Salmonella spp. on the broiler farm.
Study Duration : November 2003 to August 2004
Contractor : Direct Laboratories
A recent review (FSA project ZB00023) of the current testing and scheduling practices used by the poultry industry revealed that over 95% of flocks were tested for salmonella but there were wide variations at all stages of the testing procedures. The authors concluded that because of the inadequacy of many industry practices it was certain that a significant number of salmonella positive flocks were not being detected, resulting in cross-contamination during slaughter. Testing and scheduling is an important salmonella control measure for poultry meat and there is an urgent need for clear and practical guidance on sampling and testing. Such guidance needs to clearly explain the best practical and economic procedures that industry should adopt to ensure the maximum number of salmonella positive flocks are detected. The project will critically examine current industry practices to identify a definitive sampling and testing plan, which will be validated in a number of broiler flocks.
1. Collate and update all information on sampling and testing practices from previous studies, industry, the literature and overseas.
2. Critically evaluate sampling and testing practices to determine the best procedures taking account of practicalities. The most promising sampling and testing procedures will be further evaluated using practical, laboratory-based studies to determine sensitivity and detection thresholds. A definitive sampling and testing plan will be validated in a number of broiler flocks by comparison with standard company monitoring and intensive sampling. On completion of technical evaluations a full cost/benefit analysis will be undertaken. This will take account of both the full costs of procedures and their technical merit.
3. Produce final recommendations in a format suitable for the production of guidance material for industry. A final report will be produced which will give economically viable recommended procedures to cover all stages of sampling and testing. The recommendations will include: a sample plan that will detect the maximum number of salmonella positive flocks; at what stage(s) of production should testing take place (i.e. age of the birds); the optimum method of sampling to assess flock status; how best to package and transport the samples to the laboratory; the laboratory test procedures(s) that will optimise detection of salmonellas of most concern to public health (particularly typhimurium and enteritidis); suitable rapid methods; alternatives to serotyping if available.
Testing and scheduling is an important salmonella control measure for poultry meat and there is an urgent need for clear and practical guidance on sampling and testing. When salmonella positive flocks are identified, these can be slaughtered separately at the end of a day�s processing (scheduling), so that the risk of contaminating salmonella-free carcasses is minimised.
Such guidance needs to clearly explain the best practical and economic procedures that industry should adopt to ensure the maximum number of salmonella positive flocks are detected on-farm.
The aim of the study was to evaluate a range of sampling methods (boot swabs, sock swabs, direct litter sampling and dust sampling, using a cultural laboratory method).
The method that is used to sample broiler houses on-farm for the presence of salmonella in chickens can influence the laboratory analysis. The following sampling methods were investigated: boot swabs, sock swabs, direct litter sampling and dust sampling. Results from the practical study showed that boot swabs and direct litter sampling were significantly the most effective for detecting salmonella in broiler houses on two farms (n=4). However, on the other two farms, there were no significant differences between any of the sampling methods investigated. For this reason it was not possible to draw firm conclusions on which was the best method for detecting salmonella. However, it was possible to make a recommendation based on the practical experience of the research team and the conclusions of the literature review i.e. boot swabs.
The final report is available from the Agency's Information Centre.
To obtain a copy, please contact the Enquiry Desk, Information Services, Food Standards Agency (tel: 020 7276 8181/8182 or email: infocentre@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk )
Find out what our other sites have to offer