Salmonella found in 26% of egg farms
JAPAN - Salmonella bacteria, which can cause potentially fatal food poisoning, were detected in more than 26 percent of egg-producing farms surveyed by the Japan Poultry Association (JPA).
Although the figure is on par with the 20-30 percent estimated average in the European Union, questions remain about the infection rate in Japan.
Not only was the JPA's salmonella survey the first conducted on a nationwide scale, it also covered less than 6 percent of the layer farms in the country.
In response to the results of the survey for fiscal 2004, the farm ministry plans to conduct a larger-scale survey over five years from next fiscal year. It has requested 87 million yen for the budget in the initial year.
The survey will cover poultry farms, wholesalers and retailers, sources said.
Source: The Asahi Shimbun
Not only was the JPA's salmonella survey the first conducted on a nationwide scale, it also covered less than 6 percent of the layer farms in the country.
In response to the results of the survey for fiscal 2004, the farm ministry plans to conduct a larger-scale survey over five years from next fiscal year. It has requested 87 million yen for the budget in the initial year.
The survey will cover poultry farms, wholesalers and retailers, sources said.
Source: The Asahi Shimbun