HallMark Supports FSA in National Survey of AMR in UK Retail Salmon Fillets

FSA Publishes UK Salmon Fillet AMR Findings – HallMark at the Heart of Sampling

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has released the findings from the UK retail survey on antimicrobial resistant (AMR) Escherichia coli and Listeria spp. in raw, prepacked, farmed salmon fillets (FS900350).

This important surveillance project was undertaken during 2024 as part of the FSA’s ongoing commitment to monitoring the presence of AMR bacteria in the UK food supply chain. The results provide valuable evidence to inform risk assessments, public health policy, and control strategies for antimicrobial resistance in the food chain.

The published report, available on the FSA Science website, outlines the methodology, results, and conclusions from the survey. It stands as another successful example of collaboration between government, industry, and laboratory partners to strengthen the UK’s food safety surveillance capability.

📄 Read the full FSA report: UK Retail Survey on AMR in Raw, Prepacked, Farmed Salmon Fillets (FS900350)

Key Findings at a Glance

The survey found a low prevalence of microbiological contamination and antimicrobial resistance in raw, prepacked, farmed salmon fillets on retail sale in the UK, providing reassurance for both consumers and regulators.

Background

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is recognised as a major global public health threat, with projections estimating up to 10 million AMR-related deaths annually by 2050 if no action is taken. The UK Government has set out a 20-year vision and a 5-year National Action Plan (NAP) to address AMR, which emphasises the importance of food safety in reducing the spread of resistant bacteria.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) plays a pivotal role in closing evidence gaps regarding the contribution of food to AMR. While much of the FSA’s surveillance work has historically focused on meat products, recent trends, including increased antibiotic use in aquaculture and Listeria outbreaks linked to smoked salmon, have highlighted the need to expand surveillance to other commodities, notably raw salmon.

This survey was commissioned to investigate the prevalence of Escherichia coli and Listeria spp. in raw, prepacked, farmed salmon fillets sold in the UK, and to determine the occurrence of antimicrobial resistance in these organisms.

HallMark’s Role in the Survey

HallMark Veterinary and Compliance Services was contracted to deliver survey design, sampling, and secure transportation to the laboratory for the duration of this 12-month study. Working in close consultation with the FSA and the designated laboratory, our team:

• Developed a robust, nationally representative sampling plan using salmon consumption and population data to reflect UK market share.

• Finalised the methodology in partnership with the FSA and laboratory experts to ensure alignment with scientific and logistical requirements.

• Coordinated and trained a national network of professional field surveyors to collect raw, prepacked, farmed salmon fillets from a representative range of retail outlets across the UK.

• Ensured sample integrity, with full traceability from point of purchase to delivery at the laboratory, including robust labelling, temperature control, and data management.

• Maintained comprehensive records detailing each sample’s characteristics, ensuring traceability and data quality.

This project builds on HallMark’s decade of experience in designing and implementing national sampling programmes for the FSA and UK laboratories. Our commitment to quality, reliability, and innovation ensures that the data generated from this survey will contribute meaningfully to the UK’s AMR evidence base.

Acknowledging the Teams Behind the Work

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to:

• Our HallMark field surveyors and coordinators, for their professionalism and dedication in ensuring all samples were collected, documented, and delivered in strict accordance with the study’s requirements.

• The laboratory teams at the three designated laboratories of the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), for their expertise and meticulous microbiological analysis of the samples, generating the high-quality data that underpin the published findings.

• The Food Standards Agency, for their leadership and ongoing commitment to monitoring and reducing antimicrobial resistance in the food chain.

We are also proud to be listed in the Acknowledgements section of the report. It is a privilege to have participated in, and delivered, the sampling aspects of this excellent national survey.

A Decade of Expertise

Since 2013, HallMark has been at the forefront of providing specialist sampling services for national surveys and research projects, working closely with laboratories and the Food Standards Agency. Our reputation in the UK agri-food sector is built on a foundation of quality, reliability, and innovation, and we remain committed to supporting vital scientific work that protects public health.