Scottish safety

A revision of the guidelines on the investigation and control of outbreaks of foodborne disease in Scotland was agreed this week by the Scottish Executive Health Department and Food Standards Agency (FSA) Scotland. Part of the remit of the revision was to consider the roles and responsibilities of FSA Scotland and other national organisations, especially the Scottish Centre for Infection and Environmental Health.​

The revised doculemt also considered the definition of a 'National Outbreak',​ the development of a protocol for food and environmental investigations, the support mechanisms for local authorities and the current epidemiological investigation and its adequacy.

Those involved in the investigation and control of outbreaks of foodborne disease at the production and process level were consulted and a small working group set up to advise on the revision process. The group met on four occasions between April and November 2001, and the draft revision was distributed for comments in July and August.

The working group recognised the need for guidance on general outbreaks and outbreaks of water borne disease and separate groups have been commissioned to develop specific guidelines in these areas.These guidelines are recommended to all those involved in the investigation and control of outbreaks of foodborne disease in Scotland.

The FSA Scotland​ adds that regular training and exercising of these guidelines are important to develop expertise and establish safety in food processing. In additino, the body argues that local plans should be revised on a regular basis in light of these revised guidelines.

in light of recent food poisoning outbreaks in the UK and elsewhere, there is clearly a need for a more co-ordinated approach to address the issue of food safety. The Scottish working group recommended the development of standard setting and regular audit of the management of outbreaks.