Breaking Down the Latest FSA Campylobacter Figures in UK Supermarket Chicken
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has released the latest results from its year-long survey into campylobacter in fresh chicken — and the findings show that UK supermarkets are still struggling to meet reduction targets.
Key Findings from the FSA Survey (9-Month Cumulative Results):
- 19% of chickens tested positive for high levels of campylobacter (>1,000 cfu/g) – up 1%
- 73% of chickens overall tested positive for campylobacter – up 3%
- 7% of packaging tested positive for campylobacter – up 1%
(cfu/g = colony forming units per gram)
Over 3,000 chicken and packaging samples have now been tested. While results vary by retailer, none of the supermarkets have yet met the FSA’s campylobacter reduction targets.
Supermarket Performance:
- Asda remains at the top of the campylobacter-positive skin samples table: 78.9% of chicken tested positive, with 31.1% containing high levels (>1,000 cfu/g). Both figures have increased since the last report.
- Morrisons leads the packaging contamination table, with 13.3% of chicken packaging testing positive — up 4.3% compared with the previous two quarters.
- Tesco is the only major supermarket below the industry average for highly contaminated chicken (>1,000 cfu/g).
The Ongoing Challenge of Campylobacter
Campylobacter is the leading cause of foodborne illness in the UK, responsible for thousands of cases of food poisoning each year. The FSA’s findings highlight the continuing challenge supermarkets face in controlling bacterial contamination in poultry supply chains.
How Biomaster Antimicrobial Technology Helps
Biomaster silver ion technology has been scientifically proven to be effective against campylobacter. By integrating Biomaster into food-contact applications such as packaging, processing equipment, or consumer products, it is possible to reduce bacterial contamination and support improved food safety.
For more information on how Biomaster antimicrobial additives can help tackle campylobacter, contact us today. To learn more about Biomaster click here.
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