Food Standards Agency — FS516010 National Reference Laboratory for Microbiology.

Descriptions

The Food Standards Agency is designated as a Competent Authority for the purposes of Regulation (EC) 882/2004 on Official Feed and Food Controls in the UK. In particular, the Agency has responsibility for the designation of National Reference Laboratories (NRLs) for the analysis or examination of feed and food. The main functions and duties of the NRLs are to liaise with the relevant EURL in compliance with Article 33 of Regulation (EC) 882/2004 and to provide scientific and technical assistance to the Official Feed and Food Control Laboratories and the Competent Authority, as appropriate. Other planned activities include: — participating in workshops and training courses organised by the EURL, and;— evaluation and development of new methods. The second bullet point above consists of activities carried out for the UK at large and will be independently funded by organisations wishing to have alternative methods evaluated. There may be some additional requirements above those outlined in 882/2004, depending on the area and addressed on an ad-hoc basis. Tenders are invited to carry out: The Provision Of Services For The UK National Reference Laboratories For Microbiology An NRL is required for the following areas in food: — Listeria monocytogenes — Coagulase positive Staphylococci including Staphylococcus aureus — Escherichia coli, including Verotoxigenic E. coil (VTEC) — Campylobacter — Salmonella — Antimicrobial resistance (AMR).