FS301045-Analysis and Advice on Salmonella Sampling of Poultry in Slaughterhouses

Descriptions

Salmonella enteritidis and Salmonella typhimurium pose serious risk to human health. Although fresh poultry meat should be cooked, there is a risk of cross contamination, of undercooking and potential risks to vulnerable consumers. An FSA assessment of the impact of salmonella showed that, in 2015, there were 31 440 reported cases of salmonella, with the average cost being 4 798 GBP per case. 4 138 GBP of this was associated with pain and suffering, with 3 470 GBP of this relating to deaths. Direct costs (NHS and personal costs) are around 660 GBP per case. These figures relate to approximately 10 000 GP consultations and 2 500 hospital admissions (IID2 study1). Ensuring salmonella is tested sufficiently to detect infected meat and remove it from the food chain will not only have a positive impact on pain and suffering, but it will also vastly reduce the largest cost burden to the UK.