The sampling plan for the 2004 national microbiological surveillance programme is outlined in Table 1. The topic for the first trimester survey was agreed following consultation with Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) and the Official Food Microbiology Laboratories (OFMLs). The second and third trimester surveys form part of the EU Coordinated Programme for the Official Control of Foodstuffs 2004 as specified in Commission Recommendation 2004/24/EC.
Table 1: Microbiological Surveillance Programme 2004
| Period | Topic | Microbiological parameters tested | Official Agencies |
|---|---|---|---|
| January - April 2004 | Bacteriological safety and quality of fermented meat Executive Summary and Report |
Listeria monocytogenes Staphylococcus aureus Enterobacteriaceae |
Health Boards |
| May - August 2004 | Bacteriological Safety of Cheeses made from Raw or Thermised Milk * Executive Summary and Report |
Salmonella spp. Campylobacter spp. Staphylococcus aureus Escherichia coli Listeria monocytogenes |
Department of Agriculture and Food & Health Boards |
| September - December 2004 | Bacteriological and toxicological safety of herbs and spices * Executive Summary and Report |
Salmonella spp. Bacillus cereus Clostridium perfringens Enterobacteriaceae |
Health Boards |
* These surveys are undertaken as part of the EU Coordinated Programme for the Official Control of Foodstuffs 2004 (Commission Recommendation 2004/24/EC)