Publication of Year 4 campylobacter retail chicken survey

13 Aug 2019 11:16 AM

We have published the report of the Year 4 survey measuring campylobacter levels in whole, UK-produced, fresh chicken.

The FSA has published the Year 4 report for the UK retail chicken survey which took place between August 2017 and July 2018. Samples were collected every quarter but after the first quarter only minor retailers were tested. The UK’s top nine retailers have carried out their own sampling since September 2017.

The report found that high level campylobacter contamination in UK chickens has decreased considerably, but remains high in smaller retailers, independents and butchers.

Rebecca Sudworth, Director of Policy at the Food Standards Agency, said:

“Retailers have achieved significant reductions in levels of campylobacter contamination since the retail chicken survey began in 2014. The FSA will continue to engage with industry and particularly smaller retailers, butchers and independents to build on this progress."

Consumer advice

Chicken is safe as long as you follow good hygiene and cooking practices.