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The QS Salmonella monitoring system shows a 50% decrease in the critical Salmonella classification (category III farms) compared to the previous year. While in 2019 it was 3.3%, this year only 1.6% of nearly 20,000 pig farms showed an increased risk. Comparing the figures with the situation when Salmonella monitoring was introduced in 2003, the percentage of farms with a high risk has decreased significantly.
Source: QS Qualität und Sicherheit GmbH.
Since the beginning of the QS Salmonella monitoring 17 years ago, the risk of a Salmonella infection on pig farms has never been so low, QS Managing Director Dr. Hermann-Josef Nienhoff is pleased about the development. The awareness with regard to Salmonella has steadily increased along the entire value chain. This low Salmonella risk could only be achieved by a joint approach of all parties involved across company boundaries, explains Nienhoff regarding the success of the partners in the QS system.
In 2003, QS made Salmonella monitoring mandatory for all pig farmers who send animals for slaughter. Samples are taken at the slaughterhouses, tested for the presence of Salmonella antibodies in QS-approved laboratories, and the analysis results are recorded in the QS Salmonella database. Every quarter, the pig farmers receive a status report of all results with evaluations.
Critical companies are thus regularly reminded, made aware of the issue, and asked to investigate the entry routes of Salmonella. They have to take concrete measures to reduce Salmonella contamination. The development confirms that a data-based early warning system can offer the necessary support to companies to recognize and reduce the corresponding risk factors and thus further improve food safety, summarizes Nienhoff regarding the objectives of Salmonella monitoring in the QS system.
November 26, 2020/ QS/ Germany.
https://www.q-s.de/
