Click on the questions below to read the answers.
What is campylobacter and how do I get it?
How do I stop myself from getting it?
Why aren’t farmers doing more to stop it entering the food chain?
Surely the only way to be safe is to stop eating chicken then?
If no-one knows where it comes from, how on earth will they tackle it?
What is campylobacter and how do I get it?
It is a complex bacteria that can be found in a variety of sources – on work surfaces, in red meat, unpasteurised milk and untreated water. It also naturally occurs in the environment.
It is believed to be the largest cause of bacterial infection in the UK. It is important to note that there is still much to learn about this bacteria – understanding how it infects, how it spreads and how it can be eradicated.
How do I stop myself from getting it?
Follow simple handling, storage and cooking measures, as highlighted as part of Food Safety Week.
You do not need to wash raw poultry (as it is washed in the factory) – as this can lead to spreading the bacteria.
Cooking poultry properly removes the bacteria.
Why aren’t farmers doing more to stop it entering the food chain?
Farmers take the responsibilities of on-farm biosecurity very seriously. They are doing a lot to get rid of this bacteria, by applying a number of biosecurity measures on-farm, such as foot dips, hand sanitizers, change of boots etc.
They are also taking part in a variety of trials, working closely with the industry to reduce the potential impacts through the supply chain.
What is the NFU doing?
The NFU has been forging close relationships with the industry, including the FSA, to bring everyone together. We have been talking to farmers, processors, retailers, Government, scientists and more.
Earlier this year we had the first ever Campylobacter Conference in our headquarters which was a massive success. The FSA followed this up with its two-day conference in June.
In addition, we are raising awareness through leaflets and posters on-farm.
Surely the only way to be safe is to stop eating chicken then?
Not at all. You can be sure that if you cook and handle raw poultry meat correctly, the bacteria is completely eliminated.
It is worth remembering that Campylobacter is in a lot of other places too, for example you can also find the bacteria and catch it from swimming or surfing.
What you should know…
Poultry meat remains an affordable, low fat and healthy source of protein, produced to high welfare standards.
Campylobacter does not have any impact on bird health nor does it create any welfare problems.
If no-one knows where it comes from, how on earth will they tackle it?
It is true that relatively little is known about it (it was only discovered in 1979), but the industry is committed to getting rid of this bacteria.
There is still much to do of course to increase our understanding and how it might be present throughout the supply chain.
It is absolutely vital that consumers follow the basic food hygiene rules to remain assured that they can continue to enjoy safe, affordable and tasty poultry meat.