Defra has launched a consultation on the National Control Programme (NCP) for the monitoring and control of Salmonella in broiler flocks (as supported by The Control of Salmonella in Broiler Flocks Order 2008).  The consultation period runs from 23 September to 12 December 2008.

The NCP is intended to reduce and control the prevalence of Salmonella Enteritidis and Salmonella Typhimurium in broiler flocks of domestic fowl to protect human health.  It will be brought into force in January 2009 to comply with the requirements of EU Regulations 2160/2003 and 646/2007. 

We hope that the NCP will enable the UK broiler flocks sector to maintain its success in controlling Salmonella, and to benefit from producers across the European Union applying consistent and comparable approaches.  The purpose of this consultation is to agree an implementation programme which meets government obligations to public health and EU law, whilst taking into account the business needs of producers.  The consultation package includes:

 - An Impact Assessment and options for implementation of the NCP

 - A consultation draft of The Statutory Instrument

 - The National Control Programme as approved by the European Commission in 2007