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National Monitoring Plan for POAO: Data Analysis Report 2022-23

This is a summary of the sampling results of imported products of animal origin (POAO) undertaken at UK Border Inspection Posts (BCPs), under the UK’s National Monitoring Plan (NMP), between April 2022 and March 2023.

Diweddarwyd ddiwethaf: 19 April 2024
Diweddarwyd ddiwethaf: 19 April 2024
This is a summary of the sampling results of imported products of animal origin (POAO) undertaken at UK Border Inspection Posts (BCPs), under the UK’s National Monitoring Plan (NMP), between April 2022 and March 2023.

National Monitoring Plan (NMP) data for products of animal origin (POAO) has been sourced from the Import of Products, Animals, Food and Feed System (IPAFFS), GB’s replacement for the EU’s TRACES system.

NMP samples have been identified where the ‘random’ button has been selected on the ‘checks’ tab, as advised by the Food Standards Agency’s (FSA) Trade Facilitation Unit. To be aware that not all random samples recorded on IPAFFS are necessarily taken for the NMP, for example those testing for speciation or authenticity are not normally included here. As a result, extracting the NMP data from IPAFFS has necessitated a certain amount of data cleansing.

Overview of sampling carried out

During this period, a total of 2,212 samples were identified as being taken under the POAO NMP.  These were against the following hazard categories:

  • Veterinary residues
  • Microbiological
  • Heavy metals
  • Chemical contaminants
  • Biotoxins

There is also a summary for NMP sampling of dog or cat food and for other product types not for human consumption also classed as pet food. Otherwise, feed for animals destined for the food chain is not included in the NMP.

Figure 1 - Samples taken by hazard

The majority of the samples taken were for veterinary residues (877 or 40%), followed by microbiological hazards (674 or 30%); heavy metals (546 or 25%); chemical contaminants (73 or 3%) and biotoxins (42 or 2%)
Hazard Number of samples Percentage
Veterinary residues 877 40
Microbiological 674 30
Heavy metals 546 25
Chemical contaminants 73 3
Biotoxins 42 2
Total 2,212 100%

Lawrlwytho’r siart hon

As we can see in figure 1, the majority of the samples taken were for veterinary residues (877 or 40%), followed by microbiological hazards (674 or 30%); heavy metals (546 or 25%); chemical contaminants (73 or 3%) and biotoxins (42 or 2%). These ratios closely match those in the same categories in the previous twelve-months reporting period, except for veterinary residues where sampling has decreased by 10%, and heavy metals where sampling has doubled. The total amount of sampling (2,212 samples) is an increase compared with the previous period (1,254 samples), possibly to do with continued increased activity since the decline of the Covid-19 pandemic.

As figure 2 shows, consignments from 42 countries were sampled, most frequently from India (304 or 14%), Thailand (289 or 13%), China (281 or 13%), Vietnam (211 or 10%), Sri Lanka (149 or 7%), New Zealand (98 or 4%), Brazil (92 or 4%), Myanmar (88 or 4%) and Pakistan (82 or 4%).

Figure 2 - Percentage of samples taken by country of origin

consignments from 42 countries were sampled, most frequently from India (304 or 14%), Thailand (289 or 13%), China (281 or 13%), Vietnam (211 or 10%), Sri Lanka (149 or 7%), New Zealand (98 or 4%), Brazil (92 or 4%), Myanmar (88 or 4%) and Pakistan (82 or 4%)
Country of origin Number of samples Percentage
India 304 14%
Thailand 289 13%
China 281 13%
Vietnam 211 10%
Sri Lanka 149 7%
New Zealand 98 4%
Brazil 92 4%
Myanmar 88 4%
Pakistan 82 4%
Chile 76 3%
Indonesia 64 3%
Ukraine 64 3%
Turkey 54 2%
Australia 53 2%
Bangladesh 49 2%
Morocco 48 2%
Ghana 35 2%
Falklands Islands* 20 1%
Serbia* 19 1%
Argentina* 14 1%
Ecuador* 14 1%
United States* 13 1%
Seychelles* 12 1%
South Korea* 11 0%
Macedonia* 8 0%
Papua New Guinea* 8 0%
South Africa* 7 0%
Israel* 6 0%
Peru* 6 0%
Philippines* 5 0%
Mauritius* 4 0%
Mexico* 4 0%
Paraguay* 4 0%
Taiwan* 4 0%
Canada* 3 0%
Nicaragua* 3 0%
Uruguay* 3 0%
Colombia* 2 0%
Namibia* 2 0%
Honduras* 1 0%
Maldives* 1 0%
Venezuela* 1 0%
Total 2212 100%

Lawrlwytho’r siart hon

Please note, countries that have been sampled at less than 2% are classed together as ‘other’ in the figure 2 chart.

Samples were taken from 17 product categories. During this period, fish accounted for 617 samples, with 462 for poultry and 427 for crustaceans. Compared with the previous period, in 2021-22 there was higher sampling of fish (330 samples) and crustaceans (199 samples), while poultry sampling remained largely unchanged. 

Figure 3 - Samples taken by product category and percentage of total

fish accounted for 617 samples, with 462 for poultry and 427 for crustaceans. Compared with the previous period, in 2021-22 there was higher sampling of fish (330 samples) and crustaceans (199 samples), while poultry sampling remained largely unchanged.
Country of origin Number of samples Percentage
Fish 617 28%
Poultry 462 21%
Crustaceans 427 19%
Bovine 102 5%
Gelatin 102 5%
Ovine 102 5%
Pet food 85 4%
Honey 71 3%
Milk & milk products 68 3%
Shellfish 66 3%
Molluscs 40 2%
Eggs 36 2%
Others 34 2%
Total 2,212 100%

Lawrlwytho’r siart hon

Of the samples taken, a total of forty-three were found to be non-compliant (1.9% compared to 0.6% in the previous period). There were non-compliances in the following hazard categories: chemical contaminants, heavy metals, microbiological and veterinary residues, compared with eight non-compliances in the previous period.

Figure 4 - Non-compliances by country of origin, product and hazard

Country Product type Product category Hazard category Hazard Non-compliances
Australia Ovis aries Ovine Microbiological Eschericia coli 4
Bangladesh Scylla serrata Crustaceans Veterinary residues Pesticide residues 1
Chile Pesca Pet food Microbiological Enterobacteriaceae 1
China Invertebrata Pet food Microbiological Enterobacteriaceae 2
Ghana Clupea harengus Clarias spp, Otra pesca, Sphyraena barracuda, Tilapia spp Fish Chemical Contaminants Benzo-a-pyrene 6
India Nemipterus spp Fish Microbiological Eschericia coli 1
India Nemipterus spp Fish Microbiological Staphylococcus coagulase + 1
New Zealand Ovis aries Ovine Microbiological Eschericia coli (STEC) 2
Pakistan Pesca (dried fish maws for manufacture of isinglass) Fish Microbiological Salmonella spp. 1
Thailand Octopus dollfusi Molluscs Heavy metals Cadmium Cd 1
Thailand Dog or cat food Pet food Microbiological Enterobacteriaceae 1
Ukraine Aves Poultry Microbiological Salmonella spp. 2
Vietnam Penaeus vannamei Crustaceans Microbiological Aerobic colony count at 30 ºC for 48h 1
Vietnam Penaeus vannamei Crustaceans Microbiological Coagulase Positive Staphylococci 1
Vietnam Penaeus vannamei Crustaceans Microbiological Enterobacteriaceae 1
Vietnam Penaeus vannamei Crustaceans Microbiological Escherichia coli 1
Vietnam Penaeus vannamei Crustaceans Microbiological Listeria monocytogenes 1
Vietnam Penaeus vannamei Crustaceans Microbiological Listeria species (total) 1
Vietnam Penaeus vannamei Crustaceans Microbiological Salmonella species 1
Vietnam Penaeus vannamei Crustaceans Microbiological Vibrio species 1
Vietnam Clarias gariepinus Pangasius hypophthalmus, Barbonymus spp, Corica soborna, Eleotris melanosome, Channa striata Fish Veterinary residues Antibacterials 6
Vietnam Otra crustacea Crustaceans Veterinary residues Antibacterials 1
Vietnam Clarias macrocephalus Fish Veterinary residues Malachite green 1
Vietnam Clarias macrocephalus Fish Veterinary residues Malachite green-Leuco 1
Vietnam Penaeus vannamei, Penaeus Litopenaeus vannamei, Litopenaeus vannamei Crustaceans Veterinary residues Other pharmacologically active substances 3

 

A summary of the veterinary residues sampling results of imported products of animal origin (POAO) undertaken at UK Border Inspection Posts (BCPs), under the UK’s National Monitoring Plan (NMP), between April 2022 and March 2023.

There were 877 samples from 28 countries taken and checked for the presence of veterinary residues. There were thirteen non-compliant results for Antibacterials, Malachite green, Malachite green-Leuco, Other pharmacologically active substances, and Pesticide residues from Bangladesh and Vietnam. 

The greatest number of veterinary residue samples were taken from China (153 or 17%), followed by India (120 or 14%), Vietnam (120 or 14%), Thailand (78 or 9%), and Brazil (73 or 8%). Countries marked with an asterisk on the table are shown together as ‘other’ on the graph chart.

Figure 5 - Samples taken by country of origin and percentage of total

The greatest number of veterinary residue samples were taken from China (153 or 17%), followed by India (120 or 14%), Vietnam (120 or 14%), Thailand (78 or 9%), and Brazil (73 or 8%)
Country of origin Number of samples Percentage
China 153 17%
India 120 14%
Vietnam 120 14%
Thailand 78 9%
Brazil 73 8%
New Zealand 54 6%
Turkey 47 5%
Ukraine 45 5%
Australia 40 5%
Myanmar 32 4%
Bangladesh 29 3%
Chile 21 2%
Falkland Islands 20 2%
United States* 9 -
Israel* 6 -
Ecuador* 5 -
Mexico* 4 -
Philippines* 3 -
Nicaragua* 3 -
Canada* 3 -
Uruguay* 2 -
Namibia* 2 -
Sri Lanka* 2 -
Morocco* 2 -
Indonesia* 1 -
Venezuela* 1 -
Pakistan* 1 -
Honduras* 1 -
Total 877 100%

Lawrlwytho’r siart hon

 

Of the samples tested for veterinary residues, the highest numbers were for nitrofurans (124), chloramphenicol (123) followed by tetracyclines (96), avermectins (58), coccidiostats (49), macrolides (43) and antibacterials (42).

Figure 6 - Samples tested for veterinary residues

A table of two columns and 50 rows

Substance Number of samples
Nitrofurans 124
Chloramphenicol 123
Tetracyclines 96
Avermectins 58
Coccidiostats 49
Macrolides 43
Antibacterials 42
Other Pharmacologically Active Substances 37
Sulfonamides 37
Benzimidazoles 27
Quinolones 27
Dyes 23
Beta-lactamics 22
Pesticides residues 20
Anticoccidials including nitroimidazoles 19
Nitromidazoles (group) 18
Phenicoles 17
Streptomycin 12
Beta-agonists (screening multisubstances) 6
Doxycyclin 6
Oxytetracyclin 6
Sulfamides/Sulfonamidess 6
AMOZ 5
AOZ 5
Chlortetracyclin 4
Moxidectin 4
Sulphadimidine 4
Trimethoprim 4
Malachite Green 3
Aminoglycoside/Aminoside 2
Diclazuril 2
Epi-Chlortetracycline 2
Erythromycin 2
Lasalocid 2
Neomycin 2
Nicarbazin 2
Quinolones/Fluoroquinolones 2
Trenbolone 2
Tylosin 2
Zeranol (Alpha-Zearalanol) 2
Abamectin (Avermectin B1) 1
Anthelmintics 1
Cephalosporins 1
Cupper Cu 1
Malachite Green-Leuco 1
Organochlorine compounds inc PCBs 1
Penicillins (group) 1
Steroids 1
Total 877

 

A summary of the microbiological contamination sampling results of imported products of animal origin (POAO) undertaken at UK Border Inspection Posts (BCPs), under the UK’s National Monitoring Plan (NMP), between April 2022 and March 2023.

There were 674 samples from 23 countries taken and checked for the presence of microbiological contamination. There were twenty three non-compliant results identified: one each for Aerobic colony count at 30 ºC for 48h, Coagulase Positive Staphylococci, 5 each for Enterobacteriaceae & Eschericia coli, 3 for Eschericia coli (STEC), one each for Listeria monocytogenes, Listeria species (total), Salmonella species, 3 for Salmonella spp., one for Staphylococcus coagulase + and one for Vibrio species, all from Australia, Chile, China, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, Thailand, Ukraine and Vietnam.

The greatest number of microbiological samples were taken from Thailand (192 or 28%), China (114 or 17%), Vietnam (69 or 10%), Indonesia (57 or 8%), Chile (45 or 7%), India (38 or 6%), New Zealand (28 or 4%), Ukraine (10 or 3%) Serbia (19 or 3%), Brazil (17 or 3%), Bangladesh (16 or 2%), Myanmar (16 or 2%) and Australia (13 or 2%). Countries marked with an asterisk in the table are shown together as ‘other’ on the chart.

Figure 7 - Samples taken by country of origin and percentages of total

The greatest number of microbiological samples were taken from Thailand (192 or 28%), China (114 or 17%), Vietnam (69 or 10%), Indonesia (57 or 8%), Chile (45 or 7%), India (38 or 6%), New Zealand (28 or 4%), Ukraine (10 or 3%) Serbia (19 or 3%), Brazil (17 or 3%), Bangladesh (16 or 2%), Myanmar (16 or 2%) and Australia (13 or 2%).
Country of origin Number of samples Percentage
Thailand 192 28
China 114 17
Vietnam 69 10
Indonesia 57 8
Chile 45 7
India 38 6
New Zealand 27 4
Ukraine 19 3
Serbia 19 3
Brazil 17 3
Bangladesh 16 2
Myanmar 16 2
Australia 13 2
South Korea* 9 -
Macedonia* 8 -
United States* 3 -
Turkey* 3 -
Colombia* 2 -
Paraguay* 2 -
South Africa* 2 -
Pakistan* 1 -
Morocco* 1 -
Uruguay* 1 -
Total 674 100%

Lawrlwytho’r siart hon

 

Of the samples tested for microbiological contamination, the highest numbers were for Salmonella (122), followed by Enterobacteriaceae (106), Listeria monocytogenes (68), Eschericia coli (67), aerobic microorganisms 30°C (40), Staphylococcus aureus (32) and Clostridium perfringens (26).

Figure 8 - Samples tested for microbiological contamination

Hazard Number of samples
Salmonella spp. 122
Enterobacteriaceae 106
Listeria monocytogenes 68
Eschericia coli 67
Aerobic microorganisms 30°C 40
Staphylococcus aureus 32
Clostridium perfringens 26
Listeria spp (excl L. monocytogenes) 24
Aerobic colony count at 30 ºC for 48h 23
Listeria species (total) 22
Salmonella species 20
Vibrio species 19
Coagulase Positive Staphylococci 17
Campylobacter (C.jejuni, C.coli) 13
Campylobacter spp (excl C. jejuni and C.coli) 8
Eschericia coli (STEC) 8
Staphylococci 8
E. coli 6
Listeria spp 6
Salmonella 6
Staphylococcus coagulase + 6
AHD 5
Vibrio parahaemolyticus 5
Vibrio 4
ACC's 2
Coagulase Positive 2
Listeria species 2
Vibrio vulnificus 2
ß-Glucuronidase Positive Escherichia coli 2
Bacillus cereus 1
Staphylococcal enterotoxins 1
Sterility 1
Total 674

 

A summary of the heavy metals sampling results of imported products of animal origin (POAO) undertaken at UK Border Inspection Posts (BCPs), under the UK’s National Monitoring Plan (NMP), between April 2022 and March 2023.

There were 546 samples from 22 countries taken and checked for the presence of heavy metals. There was one non-compliant sample for Cadmium Cd from Thailand.

The greatest number of heavy metal samples were taken from India (137 or 25%), followed by Sri Lanka (129 or 24%), Pakistan (66 or 12%), Morocco (40 or 7%) and Myanmar (40 or 7%). Countries marked with an asterisk in the table are shown together as ‘other’ on the chart.

Figure 9 - Samples taken by country of origin and percentage of total

The greatest number of heavy metal samples were taken from India (137 or 25%), followed by Sri Lanka (129 or 24%), Pakistan (66 or 12%), Morocco (40 or 7%) and Myanmar (40 or 7%).
Country of origin Number of samples Percentage
India 137 25%
Sri Lanka 129 24%
Pakistan 66 12%
Morocco 40 7%
Myanmar 40 7%
Ghana 16 3%
Argentina 14 3%
New Zealand 14 3%
Thailand 14 3%
Vietnam 12 2%
Chile* 8 -
China* 8 -
Ecuador* 8 -
Seychelles* 8 -
Papua New Guinea* 7 -
Bangladesh* 4 -
Indonesia* 4 -
Peru* 4 -
South Africa* 4 -
Taiwan* 4 -
Turkey* 4 -
Brazil* 1 -
Total 546 100%

Lawrlwytho’r siart hon

 

Of the samples tested for heavy metals, the highest numbers were for cadmium Cd (178) followed by mercury Hg (144), lead Pb (120) and arsenic As (72).

Figure 10 - Samples tested for heavy metals

Hazard Number of samples
Cadmium Cd 178
Mercury Hg 144
Lead Pb 120
Arsenic As 72
Zinc Zn 12
Chromium Cr 11
Copper Cu 8
Tin for canned products 1
Total 546

 

A summary of the chemical contaminants sampling results of imported products of animal origin (POAO) undertaken at UK Border Inspection Posts (BCPs), under the UK’s National Monitoring Plan (NMP), between April 2022 and March 2023.

There were 73 samples from 11 countries taken and checked for the presence of chemical contaminants. There were six non-compliant samples for Benzo-a-pyrene from Ghana.

The greatest number of chemical contaminant samples were taken from Ghana (19 or 26%) followed by Pakistan (14 or 19%) and Sri Lanka (13 or 18%).

Figure 11 - Samples taken by country of origin and percentage of total

There were 73 samples from 11 countries taken and checked for the presence of chemical contaminants. There were six non-compliant samples for Benzo-a-pyrene from Ghana. The greatest number of chemical contaminant samples were taken from Ghana (19 or 26%) followed by Pakistan (14 or 19%) and Sri Lanka (13 or 18%).
Country of origin Number of samples Percentage
Ghana 19 26%
Pakistan 14 19%
Sri Lanka 13 18%
India 9 12%
Vietnam 6 8%
China 4 5%
New Zealand 3 4%
Paraguay 2 3%
Brazil 1 -
Maldives 1 -
South Africa 1 -
Total 73 100%

Lawrlwytho’r siart hon

 

Of the samples tested for chemical contaminants, the highest numbers were for dioxins (21), followed by benzo-a-pyrene (15), and sulphur dioxide (SO2) (10).

Figure 12 - Samples tested for chemical contaminants

Hazard Number of samples
Dioxins 21
Benzo-a-pyrene 15
Sulphur dioxide (SO2) 10
Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) 8
Bisphenol A 5
SEM (semicarbazide) 5
Chlorate and Perchlorate 4
PCB sum 3
Polyphosphates STPP (E452) 2
Total 73

 

A summary of the biotoxins sampling results of imported products of animal origin (POAO) undertaken at UK Border Inspection Posts (BCPs), under the UK’s National Monitoring Plan (NMP), between April 2022 and March 2023.

There were 42 samples from 15 countries taken and checked for the presence of biotoxins. There were no non-compliant samples.

The greatest number of biotoxin samples were taken from Morocco (5 or 12%), Sri Lanka (5 or 12%) and Thailand (5 or 12%).

Figure 13 - Samples taken by country of origin and percentage of total

There were 42 samples from 15 countries taken and checked for the presence of biotoxins. There were no non-compliant samples. The greatest number of biotoxin samples were taken from Morocco (5 or 12%), Sri Lanka (5 or 12%) and Thailand (5 or 12%).
Country of origin Number of samples Percentage
Morocco 5 12%
Sri Lanka 5 12%
Thailand 5 12%
Mauritius 4 10%
Seychelles 4 10%
Vietnam 4 10%
Chile 2 5%
China 2 5%
Indonesia 2 5%
Peru 2 5%
Philippines 2 5%
South Korea 2 5%
Ecuador 1 2%
Papua New Guinea 1 2%
United States 1 2%
Total 42

Lawrlwytho’r siart hon

Of the samples tested for biotoxins, only histamine was recorded (42).

 

A summary of dog food, cat food, and other pet food sampling results of imported products of animal origin (POAO) undertaken at UK Border Inspection Posts (BCPs), under the UK’s National Monitoring Plan (NMP), between April 2022 and March 2023.

There were 87 samples from 8 countries taken and checked for Enterobacteriaceae and Salmonella spp. 

There were four non-compliant results for Enterobacteriaceae from China (2), Thailand (1) and Chile (1). The greatest number pet food samples was taken from China (52 or 60%) and Chile (18 or 21%).

Figure 14 - Samples taken by country of origin and percentage of total

There were four non-compliant results for Enterobacteriaceae from China (2), Thailand (1) and Chile (1). The greatest number pet food samples was taken from China (52 or 60%) and Chile (18 or 21%)
Country of origin Number of samples Percentage
China 52 60%
Chile 18 21%
India 4 5%
Thailand 4 5%
Turkey 3 3%
Colombia 2 2%
Paraguay 2 2%
South Africa 2 2%
Total 87 100%

Lawrlwytho’r siart hon

Of the samples of dog or cat food tested, the highest number of tests was for Salmonella spp (45).

Figure 15 - Samples of pet food tested

Hazard Number of samples
Salmonella spp. 45
Enterobacteriaceae 42
Total 87