Summary
This statement explains the UK’s policy on the appropriate risk management when Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) is detected in food. It includes the UK regulatory approach to STEC and the effective food safety controls to maintain the supply of safe food.
This clarifies the UK policy for food businesses as they meet their responsibility to ensure the food they supply is safe and for enforcement authorities as they carry out official checks to ensure that businesses are applying appropriate controls.
This statement:
- will provide the foundation for a consistent response to STEC testing results so that public health is protected
- will clarify requirements for food businesses as they provide safe food and develop Food Safety Management System (FSMS) and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) control plans in relation to STEC