In the UK, it is conservatively estimated that human illness associated with salmonella costs around £15 million per annum. Between 1992-1994 in England and Wales alone 52.6% of all pathogens identified in general outbreaks of foodborne infectious intestinal disease were salmonellae. Much of this is blamed rightly or wrongly, on the consumption of animal and poultry products. Control of salmonella infection in the poultry industry in the UK is estimated to cost producers well in excess of £20 million per annum or, in real terms, more than 5p per bird produced.

By a combination of voluntary and statutory measures, much progress has been made in controlling infection and contamination of carcasses and poultry products. Once the villain, codes of practice and controls have greatly reduced the contamination of raw materials and finished feed.

The Processed Animal Protein Order 1989 came into operation 14 April 1989. It revoked the Diseases of Animals (Protein Processing) Order 1989 and its 1989 Amendment. The 1989 Order has re-enacted most of the original provisions and added further provisions for the control of salmonella contamination of processed animal protein. Under article 6 of the Order, Protein Processors are required to take samples of the material that is consigned from the premises each day and have them tested for the presence of salmonella.

The laboratory works 6 days per week to provide a dedicated animal feed service with a sample turnaround time of 4 days. We can provide serotype identification to differentiate the numerous strains, and if necessary, report positive results immediately.