Tesco on course for campylobacter reduction target

This means it is on track to meet a pledge to drop the highest level of campylobacter to just 5% in 2017
This means it is on track to meet a pledge to drop the highest level of campylobacter to just 5% in 2017

New data released by Tesco shows that the retailer is delivering on its commitment to further reduce the levels of campylobacter in its fresh chicken.

This means it is on track to meet a pledge to drop the highest level of campylobacter to just 5% in 2017. The new data compiled by Tesco showed a significant drop compared to the 15% recorded by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) for the same period in 2014.

Speaking on the data, Tim Smith, group quality director at Teaco, said, "Providing high quality and safe food for our customers is always our absolute priority. It has long been our commitment to reduce levels of campylobacter in our poultry and we are now seeing real progress at all stages of the supply chain, in tackling the issue through the work we have done with our suppliers."

He continued, "With over 91 per cent of our chicken now testing negative for the highest levels of campylobacter, we are clearly demonstrating our commitment to tackle the issue and how we want to remain at the forefront of any developments to improve the quality and safety of our chicken. It is also testament to the hard work of our suppliers to tackle the issue."

Steve Wearne, director of policy at the Food Safety Authority, welcomed the news from Tesco. "It is very good to see the company's commitment to reducing campylobacter showing positive results and I'm pleased that Tesco is determined now and in the future to reduce the levels of this bug on chicken."

Tesco is also understood to get most of its chicken from 2 Sisters Food Group and Moy Park, who have both been involved in active campylobacter reduction programmes, including on-farm and factory interventions.