Sweden built a very strong salmonella control programme, following an outbreak when about 9,000 people suffered food poisoning and 90 died in an outbreak of Salmonella in the early 1950's. It involves extensive regulation, including compulsory reporting. Salmonella is now found in less than one per cent of animal products for human consumption produced in Sweden, compared to 30-50% in some other parts of Europe. The Swedish programme is financed by food producers and the state, who consider it is a bargain - costing about 8 million dollars instead of the 28million in extra health costs. Sweden maintained the rules on entry to the EU.

There is no agreement in the EU about Salmonella control.

The UK Food Safety Act 1990 gives powers to enforcement officers to provide safer food, enabling them to close insanitary premises and seize suspect foods. Regulations requiring food handlers to undergo food hygiene training were promised, but never introduced.

The British Pig Executive, preferring voluntary action to legal control, has introduced a Zoonoses Action Plan, 'ZAP Salmonella' monitoring programme to improve contamination among pigs.

In 2000 the Food Standards Agency set a target of reducing Salmonella contamination
of retail UK-produced chicken by 50% by 2005.

Your plan may include:

Review whether the poultry/pigs has been tested and are salmonella free.

Possible Policy Statement

Where feasible we will only purchase animal products tested for, and found to be free from salmonella.

Suggested Indicators

Incidencies of Salmonella in the supply chain found during testing.