Effect of probiotics on Campylobacter colonisation within the broiler gut
Buyer: Food Standards Agency
DEADLINE: 72 days left
13 Oct 2026 11:00
REGION: Yorkshire / Humber
Main delivery area
Description excerpt
A key component of the FSA work is to reduce the burden of foodborne disease in the UK. Campylobacter is the leading bacterial cause of foodborne disease in the UK, with chicken meat being the most common food source of exposure to this pathogen. Campylobacter is widespread in chicken farms, with 60... Read more
VALUE
Estimated value
TYPE
Services
SME FIT
No info
DURATION
Jan 2027 - Dec 2028
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Description
A key component of the FSA work is to reduce the burden of foodborne disease in the UK. Campylobacter is the leading bacterial cause of foodborne disease in the UK, with chicken meat being the most common food source of exposure to this pathogen. Campylobacter is widespread in chicken farms, with 60% of UK broilers flocks carrying the pathogen at the point they are slaughtered. Interventions further down the food chain do not reliably eliminate this pathogen. Therefore, reducing Campylobacter colonisation on broiler flocks and contamination on chicken meat is a priority area for the FSA as this will contribute towards reducing human exposure and subsequent reported cases of foodborne disease. A clear evidence gap remains on whether probiotics can consistently affect Campylobacter levels in broilers, across commercial UK farms under routine production conditions, and what magnitude of log reduction is realistically achievable. To address this evidence gap, the FSA are seeking research proposals for an innovative field-trial based study carried out in real-life intensive broiler houses to assess the effectiveness of a range of probiotics on reducing or delaying Campylobacter colonisation in the gut of broiler flocks. The research should be designed to answer the following questions: • “To what extent can commercially available probiotic formulations reduce or delay Campylobacter colonisation in broiler flocks under commercial intensive housed farming conditions, and does this translate into reduced Campylobacter contamination of carcasses at processing?” • “What is the effect of these formulations on welfare and production performance indicators such as mortality, growth rate, feed conversion efficiency and flock health outcomes?” We envisage that the proposed study design will consist of several discrete phases. Given the complexity of controlling Campylobacter in broiler flocks, we would like the inclusion of break clauses at the end of key deliverables to allow sufficient time for the FSA, together with the researcher team, to review the phase findings and determine whether there is sufficient evidence and justification to proceed to the next stage of the project. If not, then the FSA reserves the right to terminate the project.
Renewal Options
optional 12 month extension option.
Award Criteria
| Technical | The extent to which the bidder demonstrates a clear understanding of the requirement and provides a robust, credible, and deliverable methodology. Responses will be evaluated against the quality of the proposed approach, technical capability, relevant experience, project management arrangements, risk management, resources, and ability to achieve the required outcomes and deliverables. Scoring methodology will be provided in the specification. |
| Commercial | Commercial / Value for Money (20%) – Assessment of the bidder's proposed pricing and overall value for money. Evaluation will consider the transparency, reasonableness and competitiveness of costs, ensuring that the proposed solution delivers the required outcomes and quality standards while providing the best value for public funds. Scoring methodology will be provided in the specification |
CPV Codes
- 73000000 - Research and development services and related consultancy services
- 73110000 - Research services
- 73111000 - Research laboratory services
- 73100000 - Research and experimental development services
- 85200000 - Veterinary services
Indicators
- Options are available.
- Renewals are available.
Other Information
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Reference
- ocds-h6vhtk-06d290
- FTS 069976-2026