EU harmonised surveillance of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) E. coli and Salmonella found in fresh beef and pork meat on retail sale in the UK in 2027

The objective of microbiological food safety research themes is to provide robust information on the presence, growth, survival, and elimination of pathogenic microorganisms throughout the food chain; the extent, distribution, causes, risks and burden of foodborne disease will also be considered where appropriate. The reduction of foodborne disease has been one of FSA’s key objectives in ensuring food safety. The reduction of foodborne disease is a continuing priority, ensuring that food produced and sold in the UK is safe to eat. We are taking a targeted approach to the control and reduction of individual pathogens, with the aim of reducing the overall burden of foodborne disease in the UK.
Lot 1. Survey design, sample collection at retail and transportation to the testing laboratory
Lot 2. Microbiological testing, data analysis, reporting and archiving of recovered bacteria and their AMR profile

Applicants should submit bids indicating a proportionate stratified sampling design for a survey of AMR E. coli and Salmonella found on raw, fresh beef and pork meat on retail sale in the UK. Fresh meat is defined in the Technical specifications on a randomisation of sampling for the purpose of antimicrobial resistance monitoring from food‐producing animals and food as from 2021 as chilled meat (meaning that frozen meat is excluded), including meat that is wrapped, vacuum-wrapped or wrapped in a controlled atmosphere. The survey will include both skin and skinless beef and pork meat cuts such as, but not limited to, roasting joints, steaks, chops, sliced and diced, etc. Both pre-packed and loose beef and pork meat purchased at major supermarkets and butchers are to be included in this survey. This also includes loose beef and pork meat purchased from butchers/meat counters located within supermarkets.

Lot 2.Microbiological testing, data analysis, reporting and archiving of recovered bacteria and their AMR profile.
Applicants should submit bids indicating a microbiological testing for a survey on AMR E. coli (ESBL-, AmpC-, carbapenemase-producing and colistin resistant) and Salmonella found on raw beef and pork meat on retail sale in the UK. Applicants must ensure good quality control throughout the sample arrival/logging and analysis and long-term storage of bacterial isolates.