phe food, water and environmental microbiology services · phe food, water and environmental...
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Who we are and what we do
PHE food, water and environmental microbiology services
PHE food, water and environmental microbiology services
Who we areThe Food, Water and Environmental (FW&E) Microbiology Services are specialist microbiology laboratories managed by Public Health England within the National Infection Service. Based in three sites across the country the laboratories are geographically well placed to work with Local Authorities in order to protect the public from microbiological threats posed by contaminated food, water and the environment.
What we doOur laboratories are equipped to carry out a range of specialist microbiological tests on food, water and environmental samples. This work provides essential support in, for example, the investigation of outbreaks of food poisoning or Legionnaires’ disease. Specialist testing can also be used to ensure the microbiological quality of food and water samples and to check on a regular basis that they are safe for human consumption.
In England responsibility for food and water safety is shared by a number of different partners including Public Health England, the Food Standards Agency, Local Authorities and Port Health Authorities.
Our laboratories work closely with their Local Authority and Port Health Authority colleagues to provide a comprehensive service to the local population.
In addition, the laboratories provide specialist services for the NHS, particularly for the testing of water. All laboratories are accredited through the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) and have Official Control status.
Our services
Our laboratories can provide the following services:
• testing: A wide range of accredited specialist microbiology tests on food, dairy, water and environmental samples.
• advice: Expert advice concerning the threat to health from pathogens found in food, water and dairy products and how these can be tested for and controlled.
• training: Training to staff from external stakeholder organisations such as Local Authorities.
• evidence: Results from tests and interpretation are used as evidence for prosecutions in food poisoning outbreaks.
• information: Results from public health investigations and local and national surveys provide the agency with a wide picture of changes which may affect public health such as effects of new food practices and effects of legislation.
• research and development: Our laboratories are at the forefront of research and development in food, water and environmental microbiological testing. These include the development and application of new laboratory techniques to detect additional pathogens, to produce more rapid results and provide more informative analysis.
FW&E Microbiology Laboratories are located throughout England, as shown on the map. For further details see www.phe.gov.uk
The FW&E Microbiology Laboratories can be contacted by emailing [email protected]
PHE food, water and environmental microbiology services
Contact details for your local FW&E Microbiology Laboratory:
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You may re-use this information (excluding logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0. To view this licence, visit OGL or email [email protected]. Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned. Published May 2018 PHE publications gateway number: 2013170
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About Public Health EnglandPublic Health England exists to protect and improve the nation’s health and wellbeing, and reduce health inequalities. We do this through world-leading science, knowledge and intelligence, advocacy, partnerships and the delivery of specialist public health services. We are an executive agency of the Department of Health and Social Care, and a distinct delivery organisation with operational autonomy. We provide government, local government, the NHS, Parliament, industry and the public with evidence-based professional, scientific and delivery expertise and support.
Public Health EnglandWellington House 133-155 Waterloo RoadLondon SE1 8UGTel: 020 7654 8000www.gov.uk/phe Twitter: @PHE_ukFacebook: www.facebook.com/PublicHealthEngland