Details of the four microbiological surveys undertaken in 2002 are outlined in Table 1. Topics for the first 3 surveys were agreed following consultation with Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) and the Official Food Microbiology Laboratories (OFMLs). The fourth survey was undertaken for the European Union (EU) as required under the EU Coordinated Programme for the Official Control of Foodstuffs and as specified in Commission Recommendation (2002/66/EC).
Table 1: National Microbiological Surveillance 2002
| Period | Topic | Microbiological parameters tested |
|---|---|---|
| January - March 2002 | Ice for cooling drinks Executive Summary and Report |
Escherichia coli Coliforms |
| April to June 2002 | Pre-prepared and left over gravy Executive Summary and Report |
Clostridium perfringens Aerobic Colony Count |
| July & August 2002 | Pre-packaged sandwiches Executive Summary and Report |
Listeria monocytogenes Staphylococcus aureus |
| The 4th survey was undertaken as part of the EU Coordinated Programme. There were 2 parts to this survey. | ||
| September – December 2002 | Part 1: Microbiological quality of: (i) pre-cut fresh fruits and vegetables (ii) sprouted seeds and (iii) fruit and vegetable juices (unpasteurised) Part 2: Assessment of compliance with the HACCP element of Council Directive 93/43/EEC, in premises producing and/or selling these products Executive Summary and Report |
Salmonella spp. VTEC Listeria monocytogenes |
Acknowledgments
The FSAI would like to acknowledge the Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) from the various health boards for their work in sample collection and completion of questionnaires and the Official Food Microbiology Laboratories (OFMLs) for analysis of the samples.