Aim
This activity aims to:
- complete an attribution study and implement the research outcomes
- implement poultry process hygiene criteria in Australian processing facilities in a nationally consistent way.
This activity supports Australia’s Foodborne Illness Reduction Strategy 2018-2021+.
Leads
For Part A, the attribution study results were reported through the:
- Data Analytics Working Group
- Data Sharing Working Group.
These working groups report to the Implementation Subcommittee for Food Regulation (ISFR).
The lead for Part B is the Australian Meat Regulators Group, through ISFR.
Authorisation
The food ministers agreed at their June 2018 meeting to the ISFR's involvement in activities to support the foodborne illness reduction strategy.
Status
The activity aims have been achieved as described below.
Part A – attribution study
This study was a partnership with the National Health and Medical Research Council that:
- aimed to identify risk factors and sources to reduce illness from Campylobacter in Australia
- used genomics, epidemiology and source attribution modelling.
Sampling, whole genome analysis and final analysis of results is now complete.
Part B – hygiene criteria
All jurisdictions are implementing the poultry process hygiene criteria in production and processing facilities. This allows for performance reporting and consistent triggers for action.
Related information
Work on reducing foodborne illness related to Campylobacter is continuing through a separate project to develop a Campylobacter action plan.