The objective of the current audit was to evaluate the actions taken by the Dutch competent authorities in order to control Salmonella in poultry. The FVO audit paid attention in particular to the implementation of the Dutch Salmonella National Control Programmes.

The report concludes that the Dutch Salmonella National Control Programmes are implemented in the whole country and cover all poultry populations. In general, food business operators’ own check sampling is carried out in line with European Union legislation.

All the official controls related to Salmonella National Control Programmes are delegated to control bodies although some of these control bodies do not meet all the relevant European Union requirements, in particular the competent authorities cannot always guarantee that these control bodies are impartial and free from any conflict of interest.

An accredited laboratory network and an electronic database and reporting system are available for the competent authorities to support the implementation of the programmes. However, a review and evaluation of progress with the Salmonella National Control Programmes, as required under European Union legislation cannot be adequately carried out, as it is not always possible to distinguish official sampling from food business operators’ own-checks.

The report addresses to the Dutch competent authorities a number of recommendations aimed at rectifying identified shortcomings and enhancing the control system in place.

Further Reading

You can view the full report and the response from the Dutch authorities by clicking here.