Preface

E.coli O157 is a particularly nasty organism. Livestock seem to be the main reservoir of the organism and it is apparent that it can be transmitted to man in a number of ways. An important cause of human infection is cross-contamination of meat from animal faeces.

The organism is highly virulent. The infective dose is very small compared to other organisms. Infection in humans can cause anything from very mild or indeed no symptoms to very severe complications, even death. Infection is particularly dangerous for vulnerable groups such as elderly people or young children. Rates of human infection in the UK appear to have increased in recent years, with a comparatively high level of infection in Scotland.

The organism therefore poses severe challenges and questions about whether existing food safety systems are sufficiently robust. There is no single, simple approach by which the dangers it presents can be eradicated. Set out in this report are recommendations for a range of precautionary, preventive measures and proposals to help in the understanding of the organism and the management and control of outbreaks when they occur. The measures we propose are based on the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point system and are intended to be complementary: they seek to minimise the potential for contamination/cross-contamination with the organism at key stages in the food chain from farm to fork. They are commended as measures we feel are essential to tackle the challenges presented by E.coli O157, to help improve public health safety and to help restore confidence in the meat industry in the UK. In this respect, the quicker the process of change is initiated the sooner public confidence will be restored.

Reassuringly, a great deal of action was set in train following our interim report and we are also aware that a number of the concerns identified in this report are currently being addressed by Government agencies and industry bodies. Indeed we are aware that individual companies in the meat sector are already in the process of voluntarily implementing some of the measures we are recommending. We hope that others will follow this lead.

However, the major changes we propose, particularly those requiring new or revised legislation, will need time to bring into effect - some over a longer timetable than others. We recognise that these developments will require careful consideration and a measured approach to ensure that what emerges enjoys the confidence and support of all concerned.

T H PENNINGTON