Implementation of indicators for biological hazards by meat inspection of poultry

An integrated food safety assurance system includes a risk categorisation of poultry flocks based on the use of preharvest farm information supported by historical data in addition to the flock-specific markers. Farm-related data from the preharvest area could be provided through farm audits and inspection visits using indicators to assess both the risk and also protective/biosecurity factors for the flocks to control the main hazards (Salmonella, Campylobacter, ESBL-/AmpC-producing E. coli) in the context of meat inspection of poultry. A prerequisite for such an effective assurance system is the setting of EU-wide measurable targets at the carcass and primary production level. Targets at primary production have been defined previously in EU legislation according to Regulation (EC) No 2160/2003. Targets in primary production can be considered if effective intervention methods at the farm level exist. They are already in place for Salmonella in breeding flocks of Gallus gallus and turkeys, and production flocks of broilers, turkeys and laying hens. A model to set targets and to implement monitoring programmes could follow the FSO/ALOP strategy: An ALOP describes the level of protection deemed necessary for the whole population. In connection with this, an FSO provides the translation of an ALOP into a practical tool at the end of the food processing in setting i.e. a maximum level of bacteria to be tolerated in the respective food. A PO defines a certain concentration of pathogens to be allowed at a selected food processing step while a PC is the effect of a certain processing step on the relevant bacteria. Before starting the FSO/ALOP strategy a data collection by an EU-wide baseline survey at flock and/or carcass level is needed to propose a target at carcass level and design a target at the preharvest/flock level. Within this strategy several indicators are already proposed for the main hazards identified at different levels. This system could than be used to categorise the poultry flocks into specific risk categories. Indicators could be communicated via the food chain information (FCI), and become a tool for risk-based management at the slaughterhouse. Indicators at the abattoir/carcase level could form the basis for risk categorisation of the abattoirs. Both informations from the preharvest/farm and from the postharvest/abattoir level could be used to channel e.g. high-risk poultry flocks to abattoirs or specific slaughter lines with high slaughter process hygiene. As the main responsibility for food hygiene is assigned to the food business operator (FBO) such a system should be allocated to FBO, whereby compliance is to be verified by the competent authority