EU harmonised surveillance of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) E. coli and Salmonella found in fresh beef and pork meat on retail sale in the UK in 2027

A Tender Notice
by FOOD STANDARDS AGENCY

Source
Find a Tender
Type
Contract (Services)
Duration
20 month
Value
£210K
Sector
PROFESSIONAL
Published
12 Jun 2026
Delivery
01 Oct 2026 to 31 May 2028
Deadline
31 Jul 2026 11:00

Related Terms

Location

Geochart for 1 buyers and 0 suppliers

Description

The objective of microbiological food safety research themes is to provide robust information on the presence, growth, survival, and elimination of pathogenic microorganisms throughout the food chain; the extent, distribution, causes, risks and burden of foodborne disease will also be considered where appropriate. The reduction of foodborne disease has been one of FSA’s key objectives in ensuring food safety. The reduction of foodborne disease is a continuing priority, ensuring that food produced and sold in the UK is safe to eat. We are taking a targeted approach to the control and reduction of individual pathogens, with the aim of reducing the overall burden of foodborne disease in the UK. Lot 1. Survey design, sample collection at retail and transportation to the testing laboratory Lot 2. Microbiological testing, data analysis, reporting and archiving of recovered bacteria and their AMR profile

Lot Division

1 Survey design, sample collection at retail and transportation to the test
  • Duration: 17 month
  • Value: £50K

Applicants should submit bids indicating a proportionate stratified sampling design for a survey of AMR E. coli and Salmonella found on raw, fresh beef and pork meat on retail sale in the UK. Fresh meat is defined in the Technical specifications on a randomisation of sampling for the purpose of antimicrobial resistance monitoring from food‐producing animals and food as from 2021 as chilled meat (meaning that frozen meat is excluded), including meat that is wrapped, vacuum-wrapped or wrapped in a controlled atmosphere. The survey will include both skin and skinless beef and pork meat cuts such as, but not limited to, roasting joints, steaks, chops, sliced and diced, etc. Both pre-packed and loose beef and pork meat purchased at major supermarkets and butchers are to be included in this survey. This also includes loose beef and pork meat purchased from butchers/meat counters located within supermarkets.

2 Microbiological testing, data analysis, reporting and archiving of recove
  • Duration: 20 month
  • Value: £160K

Lot 2.Microbiological testing, data analysis, reporting and archiving of recovered bacteria and their AMR profile. Applicants should submit bids indicating a microbiological testing for a survey on AMR E. coli (ESBL-, AmpC-, carbapenemase-producing and colistin resistant) and Salmonella found on raw beef and pork meat on retail sale in the UK. Applicants must ensure good quality control throughout the sample arrival/logging and analysis and long-term storage of bacterial isolates.

Award Criteria

Technical See Specification for more details. The technical criteria is broken down into sections.
Commercial See specification for more details. The Commercial section is split into 5 sub-sections

CPV Codes

  • 73200000 - Research and development consultancy services
  • 73000000 - Research and development services and related consultancy services
  • 73110000 - Research services
  • 79310000 - Market research services
  • 72314000 - Data collection and collation services
  • 71900000 - Laboratory services
  • 73111000 - Research laboratory services

Indicators

  • Restrictions apply to the lot award allocation.
  • Renewals are available.

Other Information

** PREVIEW NOTICE, please check Find a Tender for full details. **

Reference

  • ocds-h6vhtk-06b3a6
  • FTS 055510-2026

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