The World Health Organization and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) are looking for data and experts on Salmonella and Campylobacter in poultry meat.

The two agencies are seeking experts to be part of the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Meeting on Microbiological Risk Assessment on the control of Salmonella and Campylobacter at all points along the poultry meat supply chain.

The organizations are also requesting governments, the industry, academia, consumer groups, laboratories, and other interested groups and individuals to submit data and information. The data can be published or unpublished and the need to protect any information that is confidential will be recognized.

The data will be used to develop scientific advice to inform an updat of the Codex Alimentarius guidelines for the control of Campylobacter and Salmonella in chicken meat. At a session this year, the Codex Committee on Food Hygiene asked JEMRA to collect relevant scientific information on Salmonella and Campylobacter in chicken ahead of the update.

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Salmonellosis and campylobacteriosis are among the most frequently reported foodborne diseases worldwide. Poultry meat has been identified as one of the most important food vehicles for these infections.

Information provided for the meeting should cover the prevention and control of Salmonella and/or Campylobacter contamination in poultry meat from primary production, processing, packing, storage and from retail to consumption. Surveillance and foodborne outbreak data possibly related to Salmonella and/or Campylobacter contamination in poultry meat is also wanted.

All nations, particularly low- and middle-income countries that have been under-represented in previous calls, are encouraged to contribute information to minimize uncertainties and gaps. Globally representative data of good quality will help ensure that scientific advice is practical and applicable to all countries.

The FAO and WHO plan to hold expert meetings on the pre- and post-harvest control of Salmonella and Campylobacter in poultry. The goal is to gather and evaluate recent data, evidence and scientific opinions on the topic.

Emphasis will be on the identification and evaluation of solutions to reduce salmonellosis and/or campylobacteriosis associated with consumption of poultry meat, taking into consideration their effectiveness and practicalities.

Mitigation and intervention measures being used at different points along the food chain will be reviewed to assess their effectiveness.

Selection of experts will begin in June and continue until enough suitable candidates are identified. Data can be submitted at any point up to Sept. 1, 2022. Follow this link for more information