1. Overview

The surveillance system enables competent authorities (local authorities/councils and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) in England, Wales and Northern Ireland to enter food and animal feed sample data into the network application (UKFSS Desktop) and submit this data to relevant laboratories. The laboratories, on completion of the required tests, will upload all testing and results data into the database. The database is accessed through a secure web server allowing different levels of access by contributing competent authorities, laboratories and the Food Standards Agency.

1.1. Sample Data

Data gathering by sampling officers will be conducted in the field and entered into the network application (UKFSS Desktop) along with sample identifiers. All laboratories participating in this system are UKAS accredited and designated by the central competent authority.

1.2. Sample Analysis

The laboratories will perform the appropriate analysis/examination and enter the results in to their local database system.

Data will be extracted from the network application into the corresponding laboratory database. The data is uploaded into the Centralised Food Analysis Database (CFAD). Should there be any inconsistencies identified by laboratory personnel in certain key field’s laboratory personnel will carry out the necessary amendments. All amendments are duly reported back to the originating competent authority.

1.3. Data Abstraction and Reporting

The individual competent authorities surveillance and analysis data is available for querying using the network application UKFSS Desktop. Comparisons across England, Wales and Northern Ireland can be made via the secure website by partner organisations e.g. competent authority regional groups, public analysts, public health laboratories and the FSA. The database may be accessed, queried and reports produced using an authorised user name and password. To request access, email support@maclarenwest.co.uk