Campylobacter testing facility opens in UK

Quality solutions provider Intertek has launched a Campylobacter testing facility for all poultry processors and manufacturers to help tackle the most common source of food poisoning in the UK.

Every year, there are more than 280,000 suspected cases of Campylobacter food poisoning in the UK. In 2014, there were 72,000 confirmed cases of Campylobacter, more than 100 deaths and a £900 million impact on the UK economy, according to the Food Standards Agency.

Intertek's work with food manufacturer Faccenda Foods — a chicken and turkey processor, and one of the UK's largest food businesses — has equipped the company to launch a wider testing program for the poultry industry, offering a comprehensive and industry-leading testing facility.

David Keeble, technical director of Faccenda Foods, said, “Intertek is our trusted testing partner as we at Faccenda work with the industry to find an effective intervention for the reduction of Campylobacter levels in poultry meat. This year Intertek has provided great support as we have continued to invest in new initiatives to combat Campylobacter."