Report of Inaugural Meeting of Consultative Group on Campylobacter and Salmonella in Chickens (CGCSC)
Friday 23 November 2001
The first meeting of the Group was held at the Radisson Edwardian Kenilworth Hotel, Great Russell St, London on 19th July 2001.
The main aim of this meeting was to ensure members were aware of the background to the Group, its proposed role and to allow initial discussions on the Food Standards Agency strategy for the reduction of Salmonella in chicken. While the Group will not provide formal advice to the Agency, or have a decision making role, it will have an important role in contributing to technical discussions and providing support to the Agency as it works towards meeting the target.
Members discussed the following issues:
- CGRSC Membership and Terms of Reference
- CGRSC’s Approach to Openness
- FSA Board paper outlining the strategy for reducing Salmonella in chicken
- Work plan for implementing the strategy
- Update on baseline survey of Salmonella and Campylobacter in retail chicken
- Improving information transfer within stakeholder groups and between stakeholders
- Research identified by the strategy
- Defra’s Code of Practice for the Prevention and Control of Salmonella in Chickens Reared for Meat on Farm
Discussions largely focused on the work plan for implementing the strategy and members provided valuable comments and useful information which will help the Agency take the work forward. The Agency will consider all the comments and prepare detailed work plans for each area outlined in the strategy. Members identified the need for Sub Groups to discuss several areas in more detail. These Sub Groups will be established as soon as possible as the Agency considers such detailed discussions are essential if it is to develop and implement the strategy effectively.
The strategy identifies several areas where further information is required. The initial research requirements are therefore mainly reviews and situation reports, rather than laboratory work. The Agency has identified suitable contractors and hopes to commission this work shortly. The Sub Groups will be actively involved in the research commissioned to help ensured all the relevant issues are addressed by the researchers.