9 March: The APHA have updated their advice in relation to the National Control Programme for salmonella and poultry being sent for slaughter.
APHA said: "We have reviewed the period of grace provision for pre-slaughter Salmonella NCP test results, which is due to expire on Saturday 10th March.
We understand that the postal issues have now resolved and that normal movement of birds to slaughter has resumed, although we acknowledge that there is a backlog which the industry is working hard to clear. In light of this improved situation there will be no automatic extension to the period of grace for Salmonella NCP test results for birds slaughtered after Saturday 10th March.
Keepers who will struggle to meet the usual requirements after this date should contact their Abattoir Food Business Operator (FBO) before sending the birds for slaughter to discuss the issue. Abattoir FBOs should request that FSA/FSS staff there consider their situation on a case by case basis.
If individual derogations are granted we advise you to keep documentary evidence of why valid NCP test results were unavailable at the time of slaughter (e.g. written communication with your laboratory regarding receipt of delayed samples, travel or weather reports from the relevant day etc) in case of future inspection by APHA. Please make sure these reasons are also detailed in the FCI."
Read more from the NFU poultry team here...