The Food Standards Agency is to hold a conference of science and industry experts to look at ways to stop a bacterium in milk, which could be linked to Crohn's Disease, from entering the human food chain.Recent research commissioned by the Agency has shown that Mycobacterium paratuberculosis (MAP) can survive pasteurisation. And some scientists believe there is a possible, but so far unproven, link between MAP in the food chain and Crohn's Disease in humans.Having examined the evidence, independent scientific experts do not recommend that there should be any change in the Government's advice on milk consumption.But they are concerned that there might be a link between MAP and Crohn's Disease. Therefore, they have recommended that the Agency set up a group to look at ways to prevent the bacterium from entering the food chain, taking into account consumer concerns such as the risk of exposure in children.Acting on the advice of the Advisory Committee on the Microbiological Safety of Food, Chairman of the Food Standards Agency, Sir John Krebs, said:"We have received advice from the ACMSF. On the basis that the risk to human health has not been proven, the Committee did not recommend any change in the current advice regarding the consumption of milk"But, we note their concern that ways of reducing exposure to MAP should be actively explored. We, therefore, intend to convene a conference to review possible controls at all stages of the food chain."The Food Standards Agency was set up to represent consumers and it is our job to ensure that while research into any possible link continues, we should do all we can to reduce human exposure to the bacterium."
UK: Agency plans action on milk bug
Get full access to all content, just $1 for 30 days

just-food gives you the widest food market coverage.
But only paid just-food members have full, unlimited access to all our exclusive content - including 21 years of archives.
Try just-food for 30 days and get the research report; ‘Is sugar the next tobacco’ for free!
Dean Best, editor of just-food
Do you get our newsletters? If yes, log in to your account to access your FREE READS. Don't know your password? That's cool - you can reset it here.
Most Popular
Insights
- Will Danone 2021 predictions placate critics?
- China becomes Nestle's problem child
- Can plant-based cheese come of age?
- St Pierre Groupe's Paul Baker – interview
- What will Covid-19 mean for the ready meal?
News
- Nestle adds to D2C offering with UK deal
- Ex-Unilever CEO Polman to join veggie firm's board
- Reckitt Benckiser to review baby-formula unit
- Oatly makes IPO announcement
- Tyson Foods rejigs operational structure
Market research
- Meal Kits (Prepared Meals) Market in the United Kingdom - Outlook to 2023: Market Size, Growth and Forecast Analytics
- Bangladesh In-depth PEST Insights
- RCL Foods Ltd (RCL) - Financial and Strategic SWOT Analysis Review
- Soups in the United States
- PT Indofood Sukses Makmur Tbk - Strategy, SWOT and Corporate Finance Report
Oops! This article is copy protected.
Why can’t I copy the text on this page?
The ability to copy articles is specially reserved for people who are part of a group membership.
How do I become a group member?
To find out how you and your team can copy and share articles and save money as part of a group membership call Sean Clinton on
+44 (0)1527 573 736 or complete this form..
