Food Sampling
This Authority believes that a pro-active point of sale, food sampling programme can provide useful information about the microbiological fitness of food sold within the District.
Samples of the many different foods made or sold in East Hampshire are taken on a regular basis and analysed for their microbiological quality. Recent food sampling programmes have included pre packed sandwiches and washed ready to eat prepared salads.
In future, you will be able to read about the results of food sampling projects like this in Partners Magazine, Food Safety Matters, on this website, or in the local press.
Recent Surveys:
- Investigation of the microbiological quality of prepacked ready to eat salad vegetables purchased from supermarkets in the district. The Public Health Laboratory in Southampton examined the samples for the presence of Listeria, Salmonella, Campylobacter, and E.coli 0157. All of the samples were satisfactory.
- Investigation of microbiological quality of sandwiches made and/or sold in bakeries and shops within the district. They were examined for the presence od salmonella, Campylobacter, Staphylococcus aureus and E.coli 0157. Whilst no specific food poisoning bacteria were detected, a number of samples were of poor microbiological quality. Where results were poor the premises were given written advice. A revisit was also made to investigate food safety practices and to ensure any necessary improvements were implemented.
- Samples of cooked meats, pate and swab samples of food contact surfaces were taken from butchers, pubs and restaurants in the District during June as part of a national survey. The samples were tested for a range of food poisoning bacteria including campylobacter, the most common cause of food borne illness in the UK. No specific food poisoning bacteria were found but some samples did contain high levels of organisms indicative of poor handling or storage. In these circumstances further visits were made and products re-sampled as appropriate.