Guidance

UKHSA food, water and environmental microbiology services: who we are and what we do

Updated 13 February 2023

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/food-water-and-environmental-laboratories-services-leaflet/ukhsa-food-water-and-environmental-microbiology-services-who-we-are-and-what-we-do

Who we are

The Food, Water and Environmental (FW&E) Microbiology services at UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) work with Local Authorities to protect the public from microbiological threats posed by contaminated food, water and the environment.

What we do

In England the responsibility for food and water safety is shared by a number of different partners including UKHSA, The Food Standards Agency, Local Authorities and Port Health Authorities.

The FW&E service at UKHSA helps to control incidents and outbreaks by providing evidence that leads to intervention and prevention of infections transmitted through food, water or the environment.

We also work with other agencies, such as the NHS, to ensure that water supplies are tested and appropriate for use, and provide expertise for investigations into outbreaks of food poisoning or Legionnaires’ disease.

FW&E provide a wide range of specialist microbiological services including:

  • access to laboratory services
  • provision of expert advice
  • training to ensure the highest quality of evidence-based information is available
  • expert assistance in investigation and control

Based in three sites across the country our specialist laboratories can offer a microbiology testing service to meet the needs of those who require our support.

All FW&E laboratories are accredited through the United Kingdom Accreditation Services (UKAS) and have ‘Official Control’ status.

Our services

Tests

A wide range of accredited specialist microbiology tests on food, dairy, water and environmental samples are available to organisations that need to provide safety assurance in these areas.

Advice

Expert advice on the threat to health from pathogens found in food, water and dairy products and how these can be identified and controlled.

Training

We are able to deliver training to ensure your staff are able to identify when to carry out regular microbiology tests, appropriate sample collection, and also the procedure required in the event of a food poisoning outbreak. Trained staff save your organisation both time and money.

Evidence

Results from and interpretations of tests carried out by FW&E are accepted as evidence in legal cases for food poisoning and environmental outbreaks.

Underpinned by

Research and development

Our laboratories are at the forefront of research and development in microbiology testing. These include the development and application of new laboratory techniques, such as whole genome sequencing, to detect emerging and evolving pathogens, and to produce more rapid and more informative test results and analysis.

National surveillance data

Results from public health investigations and local and national surveys provide our scientists with a wide picture of changes, which may affect public health such as the effects of new food practices and effects of legislation. This information also enables early recognition and notification of unusual events and outbreaks.

Contact details

Contact FW&E to find out how we can help you.

York

London

Porton

Central office

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