The sampling plan for the 2005 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 2005 as specified in Commission Recommendation 2005/175/EC.
Table 1: Microbiological Surveillance Programme 2005
| Period | Topic | Microbiological parameters tested | Official Agencies |
|---|---|---|---|
| January - April 2005 | Bacteriological quality and safety of loose sliced cooked ham Executive Summary and Report |
ACC Enterobacteriaceae Listeria spp. (quantitative only) Staphylococcus aureus Salmonella spp |
Heath Service Executive |
| May - August 2005 | Bacteriological safety of cheeses made from pasteurised milk Executive Summary and Report |
Salmonella spp Staphylococcus aureus Escherichia coli Listeria monocytogenes |
Heath Service Executive and Department of Agriculture & Food |
| September - December 2005 | Bacteriological safety of pre-packaged mixed salads * Executive Summary and Report
|
Listeria monocytogenes Salmonella spp . |
Heath Service Executive |
* These surveys are undertaken as part of the EU Coordinated Programme for the Official Control of Foodstuffs 2005 (Commission Recommendation 2005/175/EC)