Research projects have involved initiatives across 600 farms in Northern Ireland and England looking at inputs such as feed and water as well as biosecurity measures and stock management techniques.

The company has invested substantially in its farms and processing facilities including implementing a training programme for over 200 farmers and catching teams, biosecurity monitoring and enhanced testing programmes.

Moy Park has also introduced a programme of pioneering on-farm testing that gives rapid feedback to farmers on the status of each flock via text message.

Ursula Lavery, Moy Park Technical Director Europe, who is an authority in the poultry industry on Campylobacter said:
“We have been conducting research into Campylobacter for a number of years and have been at the forefront of introducing advanced techniques to reduce Campylobacter, which gives the added benefit of protecting the welfare of the birds.

“We work closely with the Food Standards Agency, other government and industry bodies and university research groups across the UK on this.”

“However, as a leader in the industry we understand our responsibilities in both reducing Campylobacter and communicating to consumers that there’s no need to wash raw chicken.”

She continued, “Our research confirms that consumers know chicken is perfectly safe when cooked and prepared properly and that any unfriendly bacterial is killed during the cooking process.

Moy Park is one of the first processors to promote this message by introducing a ‘No need to wash’ front of pack sticker on all Moy Park branded whole birds. The company has also produced a video and leaflet for consumers on how to prepare and cook chicken. The video can be viewed at www.moypark.com.

Further Reading

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