Introduction of a Campylobacter proficiency testing scheme for food laboratories

In 2018, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) commissioned UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA; previously known as Public Health England) Food and Environmental Proficiency Testing Unit (FEPTU) to provide a bespoke external quality assessment (EQA) scheme for the detection and enumeration of Campylobacter spp. from a simulated matrix of uncooked chicken. The EQA was sent to a maximum of 20 UK laboratories selected by the FSA that provided an accredited test for Campylobacter spp. testing in foods. In summary, 13 dispatches of this EQA scheme were sent throughout the period March 2019 – November 2021. Three samples were sent with each delivery, representing a total of 39 simulated samples; 26 for enumerating the levels of Campylobacter spp. (if detected) and 13 for detection of the organism. Each simulated sample contained varying levels of Campylobacter strains (if included), and other microbiological flora found in raw chicken was also included as part of the sample design. The testing methods which laboratories used to enumerate and detect Campylobacter spp. in foods was also captured. Due to the SARS-2-CoV pandemic this EQA exercise was suspended from March 2020 until January 2021, with agreement from the FSA. Results reported were assessed using a unique UKHSA scoring system and categorised as 2, 1 and 0. This method of UKHSA scoring system enabled laboratories to be provided with ongoing performance assessment over a period of time. Individualised reports were generated for each laboratory which included the results reported for each examination and the overall results submitted by all laboratories. After each distribution a confirmation e-mail was sent to the FSA with a list of activities and dates when the work was executed. A file containing the anonymised performance data of the laboratories and a blank summary scheme report was also provided. Overall, laboratories returned an acceptable or questionable result for a minimum of 80% of samples examined for enumeration or detection of Campylobacter spp.. This shows that laboratories can undertake testing for Campylobacter spp. in foods to a using both enumeration and detection methods. EQA provides laboratories with an independent external assessment of their performance. Regular participation in EQA schemes is an important part of laboratories quality procedures and helps to ensure that the results of their tests are accurate. Satisfactory performance with EQA can provide assurance to laboratories that they are compliant with testing standards, thereby meeting and maintaining accreditation requirements. It also provides an assurance step for their clients.