GOV.UK – Report of UK National Reference Laboratory for Food Microbiology: 2013 to 2014
This report summarises the activities of the National Reference Laboratory for Food Microbiology between September 2013 and March 2014, covering secretariat services, advice and representation within the UK/EU and method development, audits and ring trials as part of the core functions listed in the contract.
GOV.UK – Investigation of outbreaks of food or waterborne disease: public health response
In this document, Public Health England (PHE)’s food, water and environmental microbiology service provides guidance on best practice for public health responses during the investigation of incidents or outbreaks of food, environment and waterborne disease.
GOV.UK – Swabs and other environmental samples: detection and enumeration of bacteria
This method is applicable to the procedures used for examination of environmental samples including swabs from carcasses in meat processing plants, swabs of food preparation surfaces and other environmental samples such as cloths collected from the food manufacturing environment and bottle rinses. This support method must be used in conjunction with accredited methods for the detection of bacteria in foods and includes the use of three different types of swab.
These methods are well referenced and represent a good minimum standard for food, water and environmental microbiology. However, in using Standard Methods, laboratories should take account of local requirements and it may be necessary to undertake additional investigations.
The performance of a standard method depends on the quality of reagents, equipment, commercial and in-house test procedures. Laboratories should ensure that these have been validated and shown to be fit for purpose. Internal and external quality assurance procedures should also be in place.
GOV.UK – Salmonella species: detection
The method described is applicable to the detection of Salmonella species in all food types, including milk and dairy products, raw molluscan shellfish, raw shell eggs and to its detection in environmental samples such as swabs and cloths.
These methods are well referenced and represent a good minimum standard for food, water and environmental microbiology. However, in using Standard Methods, laboratories should take account of local requirements and it may be necessary to undertake additional investigations.
The performance of a standard method depends on the quality of reagents, equipment, commercial and in-house test procedures. Laboratories should ensure that these have been validated and shown to be fit for purpose. Internal and external quality assurance procedures should also be in place.
GOV.UK – Campylobacter species: detection and enumeration
The method described is applicable to the detection and enumeration of Campylobacter species in all types of food samples and other environmental samples (such as carcase washings). It is also applicable to the detection of Campylobacter species in swabs.
These methods are well referenced and represent a good minimum standard for food, water and environmental microbiology. However, in using Standard Methods, laboratories should take account of local requirements and it may be necessary to undertake additional investigations.
The performance of a standard method depends on the quality of reagents, equipment, commercial and in-house test procedures. Laboratories should ensure that these have been validated and shown to be fit for purpose. Internal and external quality assurance procedures should also be in place.
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