NZFSA's Campylobacter strategy progresses well

The New Zealand Food Safety Authority's strategy to tackle New Zealand's unacceptably high levels of human campylobacteriosis is progressing well: several areas of research and monitoring work are now well underway.

NZFSA has adopted a whole-of-food-chain approach to fighting the disease. All of the processes and procedures in place at each stage between rearing and eating poultry are under close scrutiny, with assistance from industry.

"We want to produce the greatest reductions in bacteria numbers as early as possible in the food chain (that is, as close to the farm as is practical and effective), and make further reductions at as many other points as practical and effective," says Executive Director Andrew McKenzie.

"Working with the poultry industry, we have now established a data collection process that helps monitor the prevalence of Campylobacter in flocks and on carcasses.
"The data will help identify seasonal, geographic and demographic factors that may impact on flock prevalence; poor performing sheds and farms; opportunities for continuous improvement (ie: reduction) in flock prevalence and in the number of birds in a flock that may be infected.

"We are also working with Massey University and MidCentral Health to determine the actual (rather than suspected) source of human cases of infection to enhance surveillance. This work, centred in Manawatu, involves an intensive analysis of cases as soon as possible after diagnosis.

"The analysis will aid in-depth investigation of the precise circumstances that led to the cause of the foodborne illness, such as cross-contamination or under-cooking."

NZFSA is also:

• studying international industry best-practice on farms and in processing


• in conjunction with industry, developing codes of practices for farms and in processing


• evaluating leak-proof and other types of packaging, decontamination of the outside of packaging, and package handling during food preparation


• carrying out a household study on poultry temperature profiles during freezing and thawing


• determining the level and impact of cross-contamination during handling in consumer environments


• studying of the degree of survival of Campylobacter after freezing


• looking at what can be done to better inform consumers of the risk poultry may pose from the presence of Campylobacter.

Labelling is one of the key options being considered.
Our strategy is in line with what's being done internationally to address Campylobacter in poultry. It is also pragmatic and recognises that, because Campylobacter is a natural part of the gut bacteria of poultry it is unlikely to be completely eliminated. For this reason, consumer information will always be a key element of poultry food safety, just as it is with many other foods.

Industry-led trials of Campylobacter decontamination processes in a poultry processing premises have been delayed until later in the year because of a fire at the original site.

"We are now talking to various poultry companies to look at other intervention options being trialled and have called for data to be submitted for consideration," says DrMcKenzie. "We are also seeking alternative ways of getting valid data should further delays eventuate."

Campylobacter in Poultry Risk Management Strategy 2006-2009 can be downloaded at: http://www.nzfsa.govt.nz/publications/news-current-issues/nzfsa-campylobacter-strategy-nov-2006.pdf and the most recent update http://www.nzfsa.govt.nz/publications/news-current-issues/campylobacter-risk-man-update.htm

ENDS