DAFF LABORATORIES, BACKWESTON - · PDF filethe Food Safety Management System in an ... European legislation, has a quality management system in ... or potential pathogens isolated

In 2006 following the designation of a number of additional CommunityReference Laboratories (CRL’s) by EU, Member States were required underArticle 33 of Regulation 882 / 2004 to designate one or more NationalReference Laboratory (NRL) for each CRL.The Departments of Health andChildren and Agriculture and Food, as the Irish Competent Authorities,assigned these NRL functions to a number of laboratories including thosewithin the Backweston Laboratory Campus.

Volume 5, Issue 2 Summer 2011

In this issue:

(a) NRL Parasites: Minister opens Cryptosporidium Reference Facility.

(b) Update on some NRL developments at the Backweston Laboratories.

(c) NRL Seminar for Regulators, Food Business Operators and Private Laboratories.

(d) NRL Salmonella: Report on the 16th Annual Workshop of the EURL Salmonella, Netherlands, 19th - 20th May 2011.

DAFF LABORATORIES,BACKWESTON

NRL Contacts

AntimicrobialResistanceZoonoses (salmonella)Dr M Gutierrez

ListeriaStaphylococciMilk & Milk ProductsMs B Hickey

Ecoli (VTEC)Dr L Scott

ParasitesDr T Murphy

TSE’sDr P Collery

Residues/ChemicalElementsDr C Mannion

Pesticide ResiduesMr M Hickey

CampylobacterDr J Egan

Animal ProteinsDr J Choiseul

Director of Laboratories: Dr Michael Gunn1

Activities of National Reference Laboratories (NRL’s)

Introduction

Newsletter

The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food visited the Backweston Laboratories on Thursday 9th June 2011 and viewed the state-of-the-artfacility and some of its National Reference Laboratory (NRL) functions. He also opened the Cryptosporidium Reference Unit during the visit.

The Reference Facility for Cryptosporidium was instigated on 1st September 2010 and funded by the Environmental Protection Agencyand DAFF, for a two-year period to:

• Provide comprehensive Reference facilities for Cryptosporidium at Backweston,• Prepare a comprehensive standard operating procedure manual to cover all aspects for the monitoring of Cryptosporidium in

water,• To determine the need for a National water Testing service and provide a cost benefit analysis,• To evaluate the potential significance of emerging pathogens and chemical contaminants,• To determine the presence, abundance, viability and species identity of Cryptosporidium oocysts in a representative number of

water supplies.

The project is led by Dr Theo DeWaal (UCD) and includes Carolyn Read and Jenny Pender as well as Dr Tom Murphy (Backweston).Collaborators include the UK’s Cryptosporidium Reference Unit, Sligo IT, the Central Laboratory in Dublin City Council

There is currently no laboratory in Ireland providing molecular analysis of Cryptosporidium isolates from outbreaks of human or animal disease, or from environmental sources. Multi-disciplinary collaboration is essential to addressing gaps in the national diagnostic and typing services required for controlling this zoonotic organism. It is hoped that this initiative will lead to national reference facilities being available for Cryptosporidium providing rapid and reliable genotyping information on isolates from varioussources and facilitate the development of an epidemiological map of the occurrence of cryptosporidiosis in Ireland.

Contact: [email protected]

Photo shows Minister Coveney with Dr Michael Gunn,Director of Laboratories, Carolyn Read and Dara Lynott, Deputy

Director General EPA at the Cryptosporidium Reference Unit, Backweston

Summer 2011DAFF Laboratories, Backweston Newsletter

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NRL Parasites


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Overview of some NRL Functions (Food, Feed and Animal Health) at the Backweston Laboratories

Since 2006, when the Department of Health and Children and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food designated theBackweston laboratories to undertake the NRL functions for food, feed and animal health on food borne bacteria there has been acomprehensive work programme underway developing various typing and molecular techniques to enable the NRL’s deliver the tasksoutlined in EU Regulation 882 / 2004.The NRL’s, working with the various EURL’s and other national and international institutions,has put in place standardised molecular methodologies for detecting, characterising and tracing many significant pathogens throughthe food chain continuum.These include Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE), Multiple Locus Variable Number of Tandem RepeatAnalysis (MLVA) and several Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) methods for typing and characterisation of pathogens.

PFGE is in place to type Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria monocytogenes and Campylobacter and to ensure complete comparability of theobtained results we follow Pulse-Net protocols from which the laboratory received certification after a training course and satisfactory performance in ring tests.To interpret the results, these are entered in BioNumerics where a database is maintainedthat allows comparison with previously obtained results. Also tiff files of gel photographs can be easily circulated electronically toallow comparison of results obtained in different laboratories.

MLVA is also highly discriminatory but it is easier and more rapid than PFGE. The method is based on multiplex PCR amplifications of Variable Number Tandem Repeat (VNTR) loci followed by sizing of PCR products using capillary electrophoresis. PCR product sizes are then translated into allele numbers to identify strains. For S. Typhimurium we follow theMLVA standard method developed by Lindstedt et al. 2004, that uses 5 loci; STTR9, STTR5, STTR6, STTR10 and STTR3. Althoughfragment analysis is not fully comparable when using different sequencers, polymers and fluorescent labels, Larsson et al. 2009 havedevised a nomenclature that allows for normalisation of data, therefore enabling a direct comparison of data between laboratories.The NRL uses MLVA for E. coli O157 and L. monocytogenes. The E. coli O157 method is the recommended Pulse-Net protocol developed by Hyytiä-Trees et al. (2006) that consists of 2 multiplex PCRs to amplify 8 VNTRs: 3, 34, 9, 25, 17, 19, 36 and 37. For L. monocytogenes the NRL adopted the method Lindstedt et al. (2008) that is based in the amplification of 5 VNTR: LMV1, 2, 6, 7 and9.

PCR methods for typing include the serotyping of L. monocytogenes that consists on Multiplex PCR for 6 genes (Kerouanton et al.2009) plus Singleplex PCR for flaA (Borucki et al. 2003).With this protocol L. monocytogenes is divided into 5 distinct lineages basedon serogroup-specific regions, leading to five serogroups: IIa, IIb, IIc, IVa, IVb. Real-time PCR methods are in use for several purposes, e.g. speciation of isolates belonging to the genus Campylobacter, detection of virulence and pathogenicity genes and Ogroup determination of E. coli strains and confirmation of monophasic variants of S. Typhimurium.

The new technologies are being applied by the NRL to enhance food safety controls and track potential pathogens through the foodchain. The NRL is working with other stakeholders implementing the “One-Health” concept in protecting consumers’ health,ensuring food safety and the safeguarding the reputation of our food produce.

Recent publications using these technologies from the NRL include:

• Application of PCR for rapid detection and serotyping of Salmonella spp. from porcine carcass swabs following enrichment in semi-solid agar. D.M. Prendergast, D. O’Grady,A. McCann, E. McCabe, S. Fanning, J. Egan, J. Fanning, M. Gutierrez.Food Research International. DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2011.02.001

• The role of transport, lairage and slaughter processes in the dissemination of Salmonella spp. in pigs in Ireland.C. Mannion, J. Fanning, J. McLernon, L. Lendrum, M. Gutierrez, S. Duggan, J. Egan. Food Research International.DOI:10.1016/j.foodres.2011.02.001

• Application of Multiple locus variable number of tandem repeat analysis (MLVA), phage typing and antimicrobial susceptibility testing to subtype Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium isolated from pig farms, pork slaughterhouses and meat producing plants in Ireland. D.M. Prendergast, D’ O Grady, S. Fanning, M. Cormican, N. Delappe,J. Egan, C. Mannion, J. Fanning and M. Gutierrez. Food Microbiology. DOI:10.1016/j.fm.2011.02.013

DAFF Laboratories, Backweston Newsletter

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Summer 2011

The laboratories at Backweston are equipped to support national programmes on food safety, animal and plant health.


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NRL Seminar for Regulators, FoodBusiness Operators and PrivateLaboratories

The NRL’s at Backweston hosted a seminar for DAFF regulators, Food Business Operators and Private Laboratorieson 5th May 2011. A total of 102 delegates attended. A representative from the Irish National Accreditation Board alsoattended.

The purpose of the seminar was to update Food BusinessOperators (FBO’s) on EU Commission Regulation 2073 / 2005and the microbiological criteria which they must apply toensure the safety of the food they produce.An opportunity wasalso provided for an exchange of views between various foodsafety stakeholders.

A number of presentations were given outlining:

• an overview of food safety controls and analysis of food testing data (state of play) from the various meat and meat production sectors,

• local and European microbiological food safety developments,

• requirements and obligations of FBO and private laboratories in ensuring compliance with food safety monitoring criteria.

The specific attention of FBO’s was drawn to (i) the revisedMinisterial Conditions attached to Approval of Premises,(ii) compliance with Listeria monocytogenes criteria and shelf lifestudies, (iii) guidance on pooling of samples for analysis and (iv) the selection of Analytical Methods.These are briefly out-lined below.

1) Ministerial conditions attached to the approval of premises. European Communities (Food and Feed hygiene) Regulations 2009 (S.I. No. 432 of 2009).

With regard to private laboratories providing a microbiologicaltesting service to the food and feed sectors under DAFF regu-lation, the FBO or the person in charge of the business shall;

(a) take all steps to ensure that any laboratory used to validate the Food Safety Management System in an establishment,used to demonstrate compliance with Commission Regulation (EC) No. 2073/2005 or with any other European legislation, has a quality management system in place. (DAFF strongly recommends that FBO’s ensure that the laboratory is accredited to carry out each test),

(b ) ensure that all submissions for analysis to the laboratory are adequately labelled and identify the nature (cooked,partially cooked, ready to eat etc) of product to be tested,

(c) have a written contract with the laboratory which as a minimum shall stipulate that the laboratory must

• use the most up to date method (s) specified in the relevant legislation

• send relevant pathogens or potential pathogens to the NRL’s at Backweston

• inform the NRL immediately of the source of pathogens or potential pathogens isolated from ready to eat meat products.

2) L. monocytogenes and shelf-life studies for ready-to-eat foods, under Regulation (EC) No 2073/2005

There were a total of 1646 cases of listeriosis recorded in MSin 2009, an increase of 19% on 2008.The fatality rate was highat 16.6%. The microcriteria specified for L. monocytogenes infood varies, depending on whether the food category is able orunable to support the growth of the organism during its shelf-life. Absence of the organism during its shelf life is specified for some products but limits of 100cfu /g are allowedfor certain food categories.

Laboratories testing product for Listeria must use the most up-to-date approved methods. Amendments to the EN ISOstandard methods on detection and enumeration require theuse of a chromagenic agar and use of alternative methods mustcomply with the criteria specified in Article 5 of the regulation.

A Technical Guidance document is available to assist FBO’sidentify the L. monocytogenes risk in their RTE foods and assistlaboratories in undertaking durability and challenge studies forthe organism.

(www.ec.europa.eu/food/food/biosafety)

3) Pooling of samples in the frame of Regulation (EC) No 2073/2005 on microbiological criteria for foodstuffs

Regulation (EC) No 2073/2005 on microbiological criteria forfoodstuffs lays down microbiological criteria for certain micro-organisms and the implementing rules to be compliedwith by FBO’s. The details on sampling rules include for example the minimum number of units forming a sample (froma batch). Recently there has been discussion whether theRegulation allows pooling of the sample units taken by foodbusiness operators and competent authorities which areresponsible for verification of the compliance with the rules andcriteria.

Article 5 on specific rules for testing and sampling of theRegulation specifies that the analytical methods and the sampling plans laid down in the Regulation have to be used asreference methods. However, according to Article 5 (5), FBO’smay use other sampling and testing procedures, if they candemonstrate to the satisfaction of the competent authority thatthese procedures provide at least equivalent guarantees. For

certain criteria, the Regulation provides more detailed rulesincluding specific rules on pooling the sample units.

Both the legislation and ISO standards provide the possibility topool samples for microbiological examination but the prerequisite for pooling is that there has to be evidence showing that the results of testing will not be significantly affected compared to individually analysed sample units. Anexception would be if pooling is specifically laid down in thesampling rules for particular criteria in legislation.

In conclusion, pooling of the sample units in the frame of test-ing against the criteria laid down in Regulation (EC) No2073/2005 is permitted only if there are studies on the particular food matrix and relevant micro-organism combination that demonstrate equivalent results to individuallytested sample units. This practice has to be approved by thecompetent authority on the basis of evidence provided.

4) Selection of analytical methods for compliance with the Microcriteria in EU Regulation 2073/2005 (as amended by EU Regulation 1441/2007 and EU Regulation 365/2010).

EC Regulation 2073/2005 sets out microbiological criteriaapplying to foods including the stage in the production and distribution where the criteria apply and the acceptance thresholds.Annex 1 of the Regulation outlines the test methodsthat should be applied and these consist primarily of ISO standard methods using conventional microbiological procedures. Article 5.5 of the regulation permits FBO’s to use alternative methods provided they meet certain criteria.However the regulation lacks clarity in this area and this hasresulted in difficulties in the interpretation of criteria that thealternative method must satisfy.

Report on the 16th Annual Workshop of the EURL Salmonella, Netherlands,19th - 20th May 2011.

NRL Representative: Dr John Egan

Giusi Amore (EFSA) gave an overview of the Salmonella situation in MS as gleaned from the 2009 Community SummaryReport on Zoonoses. Salmonella spp. accounted for 108,614cases of human zoonoses in 2009; second to Campylobacter spp.which accounted for 198,252 cases. Salmonella spp. were themost frequent organisms identified from the 5550 food-borneoutbreaks and eggs and egg products were the food vehiclesassociated with outbreaks.Human salmonellosis cases are decreasing since 2005 and there

was a decrease of 17.4% since 2008. Salmonella Enteritidis andSalmonella Typhimurium are the serovars accounting for mostcases, 52.3% and 23.3% of all cases respectively in 2009. Mincedmeat and meat preparations from poultry to be eaten cooked,live bivalve mollusks and live echinoderms, tunicates and gas-tropods were the food products most often identified in noncompliance with the Salmonella microbiological criteria.A totalof 18 MS and 2 non-MS met the EU Salmonella reduction target(≤ 1%) in breeding flocks of Gallus gallus in 2009. In laying henflocks, 17 MS and 2 non-MS met their 2009 targets while inbroiler flocks 18 MS and 2 non-MS also met the target (≤ 1%).Salmonella Infantis was the most frequently isolated serovarfrom broiler meat accounting for over 50% of all reported isolates. S. Infantis was also the most frequent isolate fromGallus gallus (24.5%) followed by S. Enteritidis (18.5%). S.Enteritidis was a frequent isolate from compound feed forGallus gallus. S. Typhimurium was the most frequent isolate frompigs (29.5%) and this serovar and Salmonella Derby predomi-nated in pig meat accounting for 32.4% and 18.8% of isolatesrecovered respectively.

The main conclusions on Salmonella drawn from the reportwere:

• A decreasing trend of salmonellosis notification rate at EU level,

• Decrease in food-borne outbreaks caused by Salmonella.Eggs / egg products were still the main vehicle, but decreasing in numbers,

• Salmonella prevalence in fowl population continued to decrease, but at a slower rate than in 2008,

• Most MS already met EU Salmonella reduction targets in breeding, laying hen and broiler flocks,

• In foodstuffs, Salmonella mainly reported in fresh broiler meat,

• Minced meat and meat preparations, as well as live mollusks, were the categories most often exceeding the EU microbiological criteria for Salmonella.

In a subsequent presentation Giusi Amore outlined the EFSAScientific Opinion on monitoring and assessment of the publichealth risks of “S. Typhimurium like (STM)” strains. Only strainslacking the second phase H antigen (1, 4, [5], 12:i:-) were considered. The current standard methods are suitable for isolating these strains. For identification of the monophasic variant it is advisable to proceed with serotyping until a firstnegative result of agglutination after flagellar phase inversionand then apply a PCR to confirm the lack of this second phase antigen.These strains are being isolated with increased frequency and reporting is not consistent across MS. Hestressed the need for MS to ensure the correct methodology isused for classifying and reporting isolates to allow an assessment of their public health risks. Misidentification of anon-STM-related strain could result in unnecessary regulatoryaction whereas failure to confirm could have public health consequences.The EFSA Opinion recommended that if the fullantigenic formula for an isolate with a phage type consistent


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Summer 2011

NRL Salmonella

7

with S.Typhimurium and the lack of a second phase flagellar antigen was verified by PCR, then they recommended using the term“monophasic S. Typhimurium” for reporting purposes.

Lisa Barco (NRL, Italy) presented their results on a PCR method for confirmation of monophasic S. Typhimurium. Using theirmethod 399 strains, serotyped as 1, 4, [5], 12:i:- were confirmed by PCR (96.4%) while 14 strains were classified as S. Typhimurium (3.4%). Of 108 strains serotyped as S. Typhimurium, 104 (96.4%) were confirmed by PCR while 4 generated the amplicon of 250 bp instead of the one of 1000 bp. (Note. An alternative method, based on Real-Time PCR is already inuse at the NRL Ireland at Backweston.As the method above, it is based on the multiplex PCR suggested by EFSA using the protocol of Tennantet al. 2010 but is faster and more reliable. Considerable optimisation was required for the EFSA method which proved to be long and laborious as detection was based on conventional PCR where PCR products are visualised on a gel).

Anne Brisabois (NRL France) described the value of MLVA in tracing two Salmonella outbreaks in France with uncommon S. Typhimurium strains.The first in 2009 involved a non-motile S. enterica 4, 12:i:- and was associated with consumption of tiramisuand was traced to a infection in layers in the northwest.This outbreak resulted in Salmonella controls in France being extended tocover monophasic and non-motile variants of S. Typhimurium. Regulatory authorities must now be notified of isolations of such variants and isolates must be sent to NRL. It is also recommended to use a second selective enrichment media not based on motility to complement the MSRV.The second outbreak occurred in 2010 and was associated with S. enterica 4, [5], 12:-:- . Batchesof dried pork sausages were identified as the cause of this outbreak.

Klaus Kostenzer (DG Sanco) gave an overview of the Commissions evaluation in 2010 of the 26 food and feed safety EU RL’sThe functioning and performance of the laboratories, delivery of obligations and duties laid down in Regulation 882 / 2004 and relevance of tasks undertaken, overlaps and synergies were all included in the evaluation. The EURL Salmonellaperformed excellently in the evaluation.

Klaus Kostenzer also updated the meeting on progress on the “permanent” layers target which will also include monophasic strainsof S. Typhimurium. Commission Regulation (EC) No 1168/2006 of 31 July 2006 implementing Regulation (EC) No 2160/2003 laiddown a Union target for the reduction of the prevalence of certain Salmonella serotypes in laying flocks of Gallus gallus for a transitional period expiring on 31st December 2010.The target for each member state was an annual minimum percentage of reduc-tion of flocks of adult laying hens positive for S. Enteritidis or S. Typhimurium (‘the relevant Salmonella serotypes’) by 10-40%,depending on the prevalence of the previous year. Alternatively a reduction of the maximum percentage to 2% or less flocks remaining positive for the relevant serotypes, was to be achieved. Accordingly, it was necessary to lay down a permanent Union target for the reduction of the relevant Salmonella serotypes once that period expires. S. Typhimurium serotypes with the antigenicformula (1, 4, [5], 12:i:-) are now included in the target. Use of dust swabs and pooling of faecal samples is feasible.

Progress with the Commission proposal for a Salmonella criterion for fresh poultry meat was also discussed. Sampling rules and frequencies will be the same as with the current process hygiene criterion for poultry carcases. Annex I to Regulation (EC) No2073/2005 will be amended as follows:

Chapter 1 is amended as follows:Row 1.28 is added:


‘1.28 Fresh poultry meat (20)

SalmonellaTyphimurium(21)

SalmonellaEnteritidis

5 0 EN/ISO 6579 (for detection)

White-Kaufmann-Le Minor scheme for serotyping)

Products placed onthe market duringtheir shelf-life’

Absencein 25 g

Chapter 2 is amended as follows:Row 2.1.5 is replaced by:

Kirsten Mooijman (EURL) provided an update on the revision of EN ISO 6579 - Horizontal method for the detection, enumerationand serotyping of Salmonella. An ad hoc group of 9 experts from 7 countries have been reviewing part 3 of the standard (serotyping)since December 2009.The group agreed that the draft guidance document should include a general scheme for serotyping as wellas examples for serotyping frequently isolated serovars, tips for dealing with auto-agglutination and procedures for phase inversion,information on biochemical tests to distinguish subspecies and between S. Paratyphi B and S. Paratyphi B biovar Java.They hope thefinal draft can be sent to relevant ISO and CEN working groups for voting in June 2011.

With regard to part 2 of the standard (Enumeration) which has been under consideration since 2007, the expert group agreed tobase enumeration on a method published by Fravalo et al (2007): mini-MSRV MPN technique (12 well microtitre plates).A final draftof the method is still waiting for agreement by CEN for publishing as a Technical Specification.

With regard to part 1 of the standard (Detection) it is hoped that a final draft can be sent to the relevant ISO and CEN working groups in June 2011.The main changes proposed are:

• Incorporation of ISO 6785 (milk and milk products)• Samples from primary production added to scope,• Description of detection of S. Typhi and S. Paratyphi in normative annex,• Selective enrichment media

- First Selective enrichment media: either RVS or MSRV- Second Selective enrichment media MKTTn- Primary production samples: only MSRV.

• Incubation time for selective enrichment retained for 24h, except for primary production on MSRV (48h if necessary),• The possibility to refrigerate pre -, and selective enrichment cultures for a maximum of 72h.• XLD retained as a mandatory medium.• Plating stage has been made less descriptive.• Confirmation of only one suspect colony (instead of one from each medium)• B-Galactosidase and indol confirmatory tests optional and Voges-Proskaure test deleted.

Kirsten Mooijman also provided an updated on work being done at the EURL to determine the effects of pooling of samples on the sensitivity of detection methods. Queries arose in relation to testing poultry meat under EU Regulation 2073 / 2005which prescribes the absence of Salmonella in poultry meat. Experiments on both wet (pooling pre-enrichments) and dry pooling(samples) were underway using different strains and serovars as well as a number of different matrices. Strains were also beingstressed to varying degrees prior to inoculation.


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Summer 2011

‘2.1.5Poultrycarcases of broilersandturkeys

Salmonellaspp.(10)

50 (5) 7 (6)

From1.1.2012 c = 5 forbroilers

From1.1.2013 c = 5 forturkeys

EN/ISO 6579 (for detection)

Improvement inslaughter hygieneand review ofprocess controls,origin of animals andbiosecurity measures in thefarms of origin’

Absencein 25 g ofa pooledsample ofneck skin

Carcasesafter chilling

9

Wilma Jacobs-Reitsma (EURL) outlined some generalpoints on the serotyping studies. She stressed the need for analysts to follow carefully the instructions provided by manufacturers of sera and these differed between companies.Results of a query to NRL’s showed they used following antisera:

Statens Serum Institute 26Sifin 15Biorad 14Prolab 7“Own” production 5Others 15

Most laboratories used antisera from more than one manufacturer.

20 different serovars of Salmonella were sent to NRL’s inSeptember 2010 for the typing study. 20/33 (61%) of the laboratories obtained 100% accurate results. Four strains (S.Agona, S. Enteritidis, S. Virchow and S. Infantis) were typed correctly by all laboratories. The strains that caused most difficulty (4 laboratories each) were S. Liverpool, S. Chester andS. Schwarzengrund. Overall only 4 laboratories did not achievea good performance in the trial.

Angelina Kuijpers (EURL) reported on results of the interlaboratory comparison stuidies in food and veterinarymatrices undertaken in 2010.A total of 31 and 32 laboratories(including 28 NRL’s from 27 MS) participated in the food andveterinary studies respectively. In the food study 30 laboratoriesachieved a “good performance” with 2 NRL’s requiring a followup. In the veterinary study 29 laboratories achieved a “good performance” with 3 NRL’s scoring below the acceptable criteria. It was found that incubation of MRSV for 48 hours gave10% more positive results. It was the first EURL study usinglenticule discs as reference material and was highly successful.

Eva Moller Nielsen (Statens Serum Institut) outlined a protocol for standardizing MLVA procedures between laboratories. Different laboratory set-ups, use of differentinstruments for capillary electrophoresis (sequencer), polymers,flurophores, size markers etc. often result in different measuredfragment sizes. A new panel of 33 strains is now available forstandardization purposes. Each laboratory should use the standardized strains to calculate a correction table for a specific setup and enabling generation of compatable data fromlaboratories using different material and setups.The strains cost€300 and the SSI will also provide an Excel file to assist laboratories calculate their correction values. (Note: Thismethod is already in use the at NRL Ireland at Backweston).

Annemarie Pielaat (RIVM) gave an outline of some resultson Salmonella from the FP6 co-funded Biotracer project. Theresearch areas included (i) quantitative food chain modeling,

(ii) traceability of contaminants in the feed chain,(iii) traceability of pathogens in the meat and dairy chains and(v) tracing of potential bioterror agents and accidental contaminants in the food and feed supply. Results from onestudy to determine the contribution of resident flora on slaughter equipment to pork carcass contamination showedthat the prevalence of contaminated carcases decreased from97% at exsanguination to 35% at the meat inspection stage withthe number of Salmonella on the average carcass decreased byalmost 100-fold.

Kirsten Mooijman (EURL) outlined the work programmefor 2011. Interlaboratory comparison studies on detection ofSalmonella spp. in food or animal feed are planned for September/ October 2011, typing of Salmonella strains for November /December 2011 and detection of Salmonella spp. in a veterinarymatrix for February / March 2012. The R&D activities of theEURL will include testing different matrices for interlaboratorystudies, continuation of the pooling experiments as well asexperiments associated with the revision of ISO 6579. TheEURL will also continue with its CEN mandate on validation ofmethods and hopefully begin a validation study of Annex D ofEN ISO 6579 (Salmonella in primary production samples) in2012.At least 10 - 15 NRL’s will be invited to participate in thesestudies.


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DAFF LABORATORIES, BACKWESTON - · PDF filethe Food Safety Management System in an ... European legislation, has a quality management system in ... or potential pathogens isolated