Infokiri




Food and Environmental Proficiency Testing Unit


Laboratory identification no. (check):


Dispatch date:
03 November 2025

Final date for return of results:
05 December 2025


Contact details:
The Organisers - FEPTU
UK Health Security Agency
61 Colindale Avenue,
London, NW9 5EQ, UK.
Tel: +44 (0) 20 8327 7119
e-mail: [email protected]






0006

Pathogenic Vibrio - Food and Environmental Proficiency Testing Unit

Pathogenic Vibrio Scheme (Vibrio spp.)
Request/Report Form
Distribution No: V073
Sample number: V0186 and V0187
Download the sample instruction sheet:
Video on sample processing:




Pathogenic Vibrio scheme instruction sheet
Processing samples - Pathogenic Vibrio Scheme


Download the safety data sheet:


Safety data sheet - Freeze-dried format
If you cannot examine any of these samples return your results as ‘Not examined’
Request:

(i) Examine the samples for Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Vibrio cholerae and Vibrio vulnificus
(ii) Perform as you would for the routine examination of relevant foods and enter results in the table below as either detected, not detected, levels for V. parahaemolyticus only (cfu g-1) or not examined (NE)

Results:

Sample No

V. parahaemolyticus
(detected / not detected)

V. parahaemolyticus
(cfu g-1)

V. cholerae
(detected/ not detected)

V. vulnificus
(detected / not detected)
V0186




V0187





Microbiologist’s comments:




Authorised by:

Date reported:



Food and Environmental Proficiency Testing Unit


Laboratory identification no. (check):


Dispatch date:
03 November 2025

Final date for return of results:
05 December 2025


Contact details:
The Organisers - FEPTU
UK Health Security Agency
61 Colindale Avenue,
London, NW9 5EQ, UK.
Tel: +44 (0) 20 8327 7119
e-mail: [email protected]



0006



European Food Microbiology Legislation - Food and Environmental Proficiency Testing Unit

European Food Microbiology Legislation Scheme
Request/Report Form
Distribution No: EFL73
Sample number: EFL217
Download the sample instruction sheet.
Video on sample processing.




European Food Legislation Scheme Instruction sheet
Processing samples - European Food Law
Download the safety data sheet:
Safety data sheet - LENTICULE
If you cannot examine any of these samples return your results as ‘Not examined’
Sample
Details:

Freshly cold pressed organic mango juice taken from a juice bar before being put on sale, intended to be consumed within two days and is pH 5

Request:

Test to determine whether this sample complies with the relevant criteria stipulated in Commission Regulation (EC) No. 2073/2005 as amended

Examination 1:
Result
Enter: Detected, Not Detected (ND), Not Examined (NE) or level (*cfu g-1)
Indicate the applicable food category for this sample (e.g. 1.18)

Name of examination

Method used (e.g. ISO number)

Amount of sample examined – only complete for absence/presence examinations (g or ml)

Result (include units e.g. cfu per g)

How many samples from the batch are required for compliance with EC No. 2073/2005 as amended

What conclusion can you draw from your result for this examination?


Food and Environmental Proficiency Testing Unit

Laboratory identification no. (check):

Examination 2:
Result
Enter: Detected, Not Detected (ND), Not Examined (NE) or level (*cfu g-1)
Indicate the applicable food category for this sample (e.g. 1.18)

Name of examination

Method used (e.g. ISO number)

Amount of sample examined - only complete for absence/presence examinations (g or ml)

Result (include units e.g. cfu per g)

How many samples from the batch are required for compliance with EC No. 2073/2005 as amended

What conclusion can you draw from your result for this examination?



Examination 3:
Result
Enter: Detected, Not Detected (ND), Not Examined (NE) or level (*cfu g-1)
Indicate the applicable food category for this sample (e.g. 1.18)

Name of examination

Method used (e.g. ISO number)

Amount of sample examined - only complete for absence/presence examinations (g or ml)

Result (include units e.g. cfu per g)

How many samples from the batch are required for compliance with EC No. 2073/2005 as amended

What conclusion can you draw from your result for this examination?






What is your overall batch conclusion for this sample?














Enter any microbiologist’s comments if you wish to do so:














Authorised by: Date:



Food and Environmental Proficiency Testing Unit


Laboratory identification no. (check):


Dispatch date:
03 November 2025

Final date for return of results:
05 December 2025


Contact details:
The Organisers - FEPTU
UK Health Security Agency
61 Colindale Avenue,
London, NW9 5EQ, UK.
Tel: +44 (0) 20 8327 7119
e-mail: [email protected]



0006



European Food Microbiology Legislation - Food and Environmental Proficiency Testing Unit

European Food Microbiology Legislation Scheme
Request/Report Form
Distribution No: EFL73
Sample number: EFL218
Download the sample instruction sheet.
Video on sample processing.




European Food Legislation Scheme Instruction sheet
Processing samples - European Food Law
Download the safety data sheet:
Safety data sheet - LENTICULE
If you cannot examine any of these samples return your results as ‘Not examined’
Sample
Details:
Frozen custard dessert made with cream, ice, sugar and raw egg yolks, sampled at the end of the manufacturing process
Request:

Test to determine whether this sample complies with the relevant criteria stipulated in Commission Regulation (EC) No. 2073/2005 as amended

Examination 1:
Result
Enter: Detected, Not Detected (ND), Not Examined (NE) or level (*cfu g-1)
Indicate the applicable food category for this sample (e.g. 1.18)

Name of examination

Method used (e.g. ISO number)

Amount of sample examined – only complete for absence/presence examinations (g or ml)

Result (include units e.g. cfu per g)

How many samples from the batch are required for compliance with EC No. 2073/2005 as amended

What conclusion can you draw from your result for this examination?


Food and Environmental Proficiency Testing Unit

Laboratory identification no. (check):

Examination 2:
Result
Enter: Detected, Not Detected (ND), Not Examined (NE) or level (*cfu g-1)
Indicate the applicable food category for this sample (e.g. 1.18)

Name of examination

Method used (e.g. ISO number)

Amount of sample examined - only complete for absence/presence examinations (g or ml)

Result (include units e.g. cfu per g)

How many samples from the batch are required for compliance with EC No. 2073/2005 as amended

What conclusion can you draw from your result for this examination?



Examination 3:
Result
Enter: Detected, Not Detected (ND), Not Examined (NE) or level (*cfu g-1)
Indicate the applicable food category for this sample (e.g. 1.18)

Name of examination

Method used (e.g. ISO number)

Amount of sample examined - only complete for absence/presence examinations (g or ml)

Result (include units e.g. cfu per g)

How many samples from the batch are required for compliance with EC No. 2073/2005 as amended

What conclusion can you draw from your result for this examination?






What is your overall batch conclusion for this sample?














Enter any microbiologist’s comments if you wish to do so:














Authorised by: Date:



Food and Environmental Proficiency Testing Unit


Laboratory identification no. (check):


Dispatch date:
03 November 2025

Final date for return of results:
05 December 2025


Contact details:
The Organisers - FEPTU
UK Health Security Agency
61 Colindale Avenue,
London, NW9 5EQ, UK.
Tel: +44 (0) 20 8327 7119
e-mail: [email protected]



0006



European Food Microbiology Legislation - Food and Environmental Proficiency Testing Unit

European Food Microbiology Legislation Scheme
Request/Report Form
Distribution No: EFL73
Sample number: EFL219
Download the sample instruction sheet.
Video on sample processing.




European Food Legislation Scheme Instruction sheet
Processing samples - European Food Law
Download the safety data sheet:
Safety data sheet - LENTICULE
If you cannot examine any of these samples return your results as ‘Not examined’
Sample
Details:

End of line sampling of a fried garlic shrimp dish

Request:

Test to determine whether this sample complies with the relevant criteria stipulated in Commission Regulation (EC) No. 2073/2005 as amended

Examination 1:
Result
Enter: Detected, Not Detected (ND), Not Examined (NE) or level (*cfu g-1)
Indicate the applicable food category for this sample (e.g. 1.18)

Name of examination

Method used (e.g. ISO number)

Amount of sample examined – only complete for absence/presence examinations (g or ml)

Result (include units e.g. cfu per g)

How many samples from the batch are required for compliance with EC No. 2073/2005 as amended

What conclusion can you draw from your result for this examination?


Food and Environmental Proficiency Testing Unit

Laboratory identification no. (check):

Examination 2:
Result
Enter: Detected, Not Detected (ND), Not Examined (NE) or level (*cfu g-1)
Indicate the applicable food category for this sample (e.g. 1.18)

Name of examination

Method used (e.g. ISO number)

Amount of sample examined - only complete for absence/presence examinations (g or ml)

Result (include units e.g. cfu per g)

How many samples from the batch are required for compliance with EC No. 2073/2005 as amended

What conclusion can you draw from your result for this examination?



Examination 3:
Result
Enter: Detected, Not Detected (ND), Not Examined (NE) or level (*cfu g-1)
Indicate the applicable food category for this sample (e.g. 1.18)

Name of examination

Method used (e.g. ISO number)

Amount of sample examined - only complete for absence/presence examinations (g or ml)

Result (include units e.g. cfu per g)

How many samples from the batch are required for compliance with EC No. 2073/2005 as amended

What conclusion can you draw from your result for this examination?






What is your overall batch conclusion for this sample?














Enter any microbiologist’s comments if you wish to do so:














Authorised by: Date:



Food and Environmental Proficiency Testing Unit

Laboratory identification no. (check): Dispatch date: 03 November 2025 Final date for return of results: 12 December 2025

Contact details:
The Organisers - FEPTU
UK Health Security Agency
61 Colindale Avenue,
London, NW9 5EQ, UK.
Tel: +44 (0) 20 8327 7119
e-mail: [email protected]




0006

Standard - Food and Environmental Proficiency Testing Unit

Standard Scheme - Request/Report Form


Distribution No.: 390
Sample numbers: S0817 and S0818

Download the sample instruction sheet.
Video on sample processing.
Standard Scheme Instruction Sheet
Processing samples - Standard Scheme

Download the safety data sheet:
Safety data sheet - Freeze-dried format

If you cannot examine any of these samples return your results as ‘Not examined’

Request:
I. Determine the level of Campylobacter spp.
II. Examine for Campylobacter spp., E.coli O157, Salmonella spp. and Yersinia enterocolitica
III. Determine the Aerobic colony count
IV. Determine the level of Enterobacteriaceae


Food and Environmental Proficiency Testing Unit

Laboratory identification no. (check):





Not examined
Enrichment media used / Conditions of incubation
Media used
Method used
Analyst
S0817
S0818
Campylobacter spp.


Bolton Broth

Chromogenic agar - please state

ISO 10272-1:2017
Nominated result:





Preston broth

Modified charcoal cefoperazone deoxycholate agar (mCCDA/CCDA)


PCR
Result 2:





Other – please specify

Preston agar

VIDAS











Result 3:







Other– please specify

Other – please specify



Campylobacter spp. (*cfu g-1)


41.5°C/48h


Chromogenic agar - please state


ISO 10272-2:2017
Nominated result:





Other– please specify

Modified charcoal cefoperazone deoxycholate agar (mCCDA/CCDA)


Other – please specify
Result 2:







Preston agar













Result 3:







Other– please specify





Escherichia coli O157


Modified  buffered peptone water

Cefixime tellurite sorbitol MacConkey agar (CT-SMAC)

ISO 16654:2001
Nominated result:





Modified Tryptone soya

Chromogenic agar - please state

PCR











Result 2:





Other – please specify

Other– please specify

VIDAS











Result 3









Other – please specify












Food and Environmental Proficiency Testing Unit

Laboratory identification no. (check):



Not examined
Enrichment media used /
Conditions of incubation
Media used
Method used
Analyst
S0817
S0818

Salmonella spp.


Dulcitol selenite

Bismuth sulfite agar (BSA)

ISO 6579-1:2017
Nominated result:






Muller-Kauffman tetrathionate/novobiocin


Brilliant green agar (BGA)

PCR







Rappaport-Vassiliadis with soya

Chromogenic agar - please state

VIDAS
Result 2:






Selenite cysteine

Deoxycholate agar (DCA)

Other – please specify







Other – please specify

Xylose lysine deoxycholate agar (XLD)



Result 3:








Other – please specify







Yersinia enterocolitica


Tris Buffered Peptone Water (TRIS)

Cefsulodin Irgasan Novobiocin agar (CIN)

ISO 10273:2017
Nominated result:






Other – please specify

Other – please specify

ISO/TS 18867:2015
Result 2:










Other – please specify
Result 3:










Food and Environmental Proficiency Testing Unit



Laboratory identification no. (check):









Not examined
Enrichment media used /
Conditions of incubation
Media used
Method used
Analyst
S0817
S0818
Aerobic colony count
(*cfu g-1)


22°C/72h

Milk plate count agar

ISO 4833-1:2013
Nominated result:





25°C/72h

Petrifilm TM

ISO 4833-2:2013






30°C/48h

Plate count agar

MPN – TEMPO
Result 2:





30°C/72h

Other– please specify

Other– please specify






37°C/24h




Result 3:





Other– please specify







Enterobacteriaceae
(*cfu g-1)


30°C/24h

Chromogenic agar – please state

ISO 21528-1:2017
Nominated result:





37°C/24h

Petrifilm TM

ISO 21528-2:2017











Result 2:





Other– please specify

Violet red bile glucose agar (VRBGA)

MPN – TEMPO










Other – please specify


MPN – Tube combination












Result 3:









Other– please specify




Microbiologist’s comments:




Authorised by: Date reported




Food and Environmental Proficiency Testing Unit

Laboratory identification no. (check):

Dispatch date:
03 November 2025
Final date for return of results:
28 November 2025

Contact details:
The Organisers - FEPTU
UK Health Security Agency
61 Colindale Avenue,
London, NW9 5EQ, UK.
Tel: +44 (0) 20 8327 7119
e-mail: [email protected]






0006

Environmental Swab - Food and Environmental Proficiency Testing Unit

Environmental Swab Scheme - Request/Report Form

Distribution No: ES39
Sample numbers: ES0077 and ES0078
Download the sample instruction sheet.
Swab Scheme Instruction Sheet

Download the safety data sheet:

Safety Data Sheet - LENTICULE
If you cannot examine any of these samples tick this box and return the form to the organisers 
Sample type:
ES0077: Random swab the container used to store onions
ES0078: Random area swab from inside the container that the pasta was stored in


Request:
Examine samples following your routine protocol for pathogens based on the outbreak scenario provided.

If your laboratory does not examine for a certain pathogen/s that is potentially implicated in an outbreak please enter a result of ‘Not examined’ for that pathogen when entering your results online.

Food and Environmental Proficiency Testing Unit

Laboratory identification no. (check):


Outbreak details for ES0077:


A local authority was alerted on 5 November to increased number of cases where 25 people complained of stomach-aches, vomiting and diarrhoea. 8 people were hospitalised, with 3 people who were elderly with life-threatening HUS. When investigated, it was found that all people involved had takeaway or dined-in at a local fast-food restaurants 3-6 days before symptoms showed. Patients’ food orders varied from vegetarian wraps and chicken wraps to hamburgers. When further inquired with staff, raw sliced onions were included in every order. The staff reported that the onion was prepared at the beginning of the day and was out on the bench till midnight. 


Results for ES0077:


Pathogens examined for
(up to four can be listed)
Detection results
Enumeration results
(report as *cfu per swab)
















Outbreak details for ES0078:

A group of 4 young girls aged 11 to 13 years old were hospitalised at 3 am on 4 November due to severe abdominal pain and severe vomiting at a sleepover party. One patient said they had found a container of pasta salad on the kitchen counter and reheated to eat it a few hours before they became ill. As the pasta salad had an unusual smell, the girls only ate a small amount. The parent at the household said that they had left the salad out on the counter on the day before and it had been in the fridge for nearly a week.   

Results for ES0078:

Pathogens examined for
(up to four can be listed)
Detection results
Enumeration results
(report as *cfu per swab)













Authorised by:
Date reported:




Food and Environmental Proficiency Testing Unit


Laboratory identification no. (check):
Lab No.

Dispatch date:
03 November 2025

Final date for return of results:
05 December 2025


Contact details:
The Organisers - FEPTU
UK Health Security Agency
61 Colindale Avenue,
London, NW9 5EQ, UK.
Tel: +44 (0) 20 8327 7119
e-mail: [email protected]



Norovirus and Hepatitis A - Food and Environmental Proficiency Testing Unit


Norovirus and Hepatitis A Virus Scheme - Request/Report Form
Distribution No: NHV017
Sample numbers: NHV0033 and NHV0034
Download the instruction sheet:
Norovirus & Hepatitis A scheme instruction sheet

Download the safety data sheet:
Safety Data Sheet - LENTICULE
If you cannot examine any of these samples return your results as ‘Not examined’
Request:


(i) Examine for the presence of viruses (norovirus GI and GII, hepatitis A virus)
(ii) Quantify these viruses in the sample (if routinely done)







Results for NHV0033













Pos/neg
Ct value
Quantity (copies/ sample)
Final
Results
GI




GII




HAV



Comments
























Results for xxxx





Results for NHV0034



Pos/neg
Ct value
Quantity (copies/ sample)
Final
Results
GI




GII




HAV



Comments






Please provide us with details of the following method elements before returning this form.

RNA extraction



Conventional or real-time? (Please indicate whether you used conventional RT-PCR or real-time RT-PCR)




One-step or two-step? (Please indicate whether you used one-step or two-step RT-PCR)




RT-PCR reagents (Note: If two-step RT-PCR was used please provide details of reagents used for both RT and PCR elements)





RT-PCR cycling parameters (Note: if two-step RT-PCR was used please provide details of parameters used for both RT and PCR elements)





GI primers (and probe) (Please provide sequences and a reference if possible)





GII primers (and probe) (Please provide sequences and a reference if possible)





HAV primers (and probe) (Please provide sequences and a reference if possible)





Generation of own quantification standards









Authorised by:
Date reported:



Food and Environmental Proficiency Testing Unit


Laboratory identification no. (check):


Dispatch date:
03 November 2025

Final date for return of results:
05 December 2025


Contact details:
The Organisers - FEPTU
UK Health Security Agency
61 Colindale Avenue,
London, NW9 5EQ, UK.
Tel: +44 (0) 20 8327 7119
e-mail: [email protected]







0006

Shellfish - Food and Environmental Proficiency Testing Unit



Shellfish Scheme Request/Report Form
Distribution No: SF081
Sample numbers: SF0170
Download the sample instruction sheet.
Video on sample processing:
Shellfish instruction sheet
Sample processing - Shellfish
Download the safety data sheet:

Safety Data Sheet - LENTICULE
If you cannot examine any of these samples return your results as ‘Not examined’
Analyse sample material for E. coli (in duplicate) and Salmonella spp. (one replicate)
Please indicate if your laboratory is an 'Official Control Laboratory' for your Country for Shellfish testing Yes/No


E. coli enumeration
Preparation
It is recommended a minimum of 4 dilutions are prepared for each sample examined

Analyse each sample in duplicate
Reporting result
Report E. coli as MPN per 100g

Report tube combination used to determine MPN value from MPN table / calculator (report results from all tubes used) (e.g. 532 or 5320*)
* Note: For laboratories undertaking official control analysis of Escherichia coli in live bivalve molluscs to satisfy the requirements of Regulation (EC) 854/2004 and Regulation (EU) 2015/2285 should follow ISO 7218:2007/Amd 1:2013 which states 'In any circumstance when more than three dilutions are made, it is essential that all measured data values be used. It is not scientifically correct to "select" any combination of values on the premise that these values are more "correct" than other combinations. The results from all possible combinations of positive tubes should be recorded and the MPN calculator (http://standards.iso.org/iso/7218/) used to derive MPN values'.





Food and Environmental Proficiency Testing Unit

Laboratory identification no. (check):

Results:

Salmonella spp. ______________________________ (report as detected or not detected in 25g)

Replicate 1 – E. coli enumeration



Primary broth

Growth of E. coli on chromogenic agar


Tube Number
Segment Number

1
2
3
4
5
No.
1
2
3
4
5
No.

Acid production
Pos

Pos
1g












0.1g












0.01g












0.001g













Tube combination used to determine MPN from MPN tables (report all tube combinations used to determine the MPN results) (e.g. 552 or 5520).............................……..
E. coli MPN.................................................... per 100g


Replicate 2 – E. coli enumeration



Primary broth

Growth of E. coli on chromogenic agar


Tube Number
Segment Number

1
2
3
4
5
No.
1
2
3
4
5
No.

Acid production
Pos

Pos
1g












0.1g












0.01g












0.001g














Tube combination used to determine MPN from MPN tables (report all tube combinations used to determine the MPN results) (e.g. 552 or 5520) ............................……..
E. coli MPN.................................................... per 100g

Comments:


Authorised by: Date reported:



Food and Environmental Proficiency Testing Unit


Laboratory identification no. (check):


Dispatch date:
03 November 2025

Final date for return of results:
05 December 2025


Contact details:
The Organisers - FEPTU
UK Health Security Agency
61 Colindale Avenue,
London, NW9 5EQ, UK.
Tel: +44 (0) 20 8327 7119
e-mail: [email protected]







0006

Shellfish - Food and Environmental Proficiency Testing Unit



Shellfish Scheme Request/Report Form
Distribution No: SF081
Sample numbers: SF0171
Download the sample instruction sheet.
Video on sample processing:
Shellfish instruction sheet
Sample processing - Shellfish
Download the safety data sheet:

Safety Data Sheet - LENTICULE
If you cannot examine any of these samples return your results as ‘Not examined’
Analyse sample material for E. coli (in duplicate) and Salmonella spp. (one replicate)
Please indicate if your laboratory is an 'Official Control Laboratory' for your Country for Shellfish testing Yes/No


E. coli enumeration
Preparation
It is recommended a minimum of 4 dilutions are prepared for each sample examined

Analyse each sample in duplicate
Reporting result
Report E. coli as MPN per 100g

Report tube combination used to determine MPN value from MPN table / calculator (report results from all tubes used) (e.g. 532 or 5320*)
* Note: For laboratories undertaking official control analysis of Escherichia coli in live bivalve molluscs to satisfy the requirements of Regulation (EC) 854/2004 and Regulation (EU) 2015/2285 should follow ISO 7218:2007/Amd 1:2013 which states 'In any circumstance when more than three dilutions are made, it is essential that all measured data values be used. It is not scientifically correct to "select" any combination of values on the premise that these values are more "correct" than other combinations. The results from all possible combinations of positive tubes should be recorded and the MPN calculator (http://standards.iso.org/iso/7218/) used to derive MPN values'.





Food and Environmental Proficiency Testing Unit

Laboratory identification no. (check):

Results:

Salmonella spp. ______________________________ (report as detected or not detected in 25g)

Replicate 1 – E. coli enumeration



Primary broth

Growth of E. coli on chromogenic agar


Tube Number
Segment Number

1
2
3
4
5
No.
1
2
3
4
5
No.

Acid production
Pos

Pos
1g












0.1g












0.01g












0.001g













Tube combination used to determine MPN from MPN tables (report all tube combinations used to determine the MPN results) (e.g. 552 or 5520).............................……..
E. coli MPN.................................................... per 100g


Replicate 2 – E. coli enumeration



Primary broth

Growth of E. coli on chromogenic agar


Tube Number
Segment Number

1
2
3
4
5
No.
1
2
3
4
5
No.

Acid production
Pos

Pos
1g












0.1g












0.01g












0.001g














Tube combination used to determine MPN from MPN tables (report all tube combinations used to determine the MPN results) (e.g. 552 or 5520) ............................……..
E. coli MPN.................................................... per 100g

Comments:


Authorised by: Date reported:




Food and Environmental Proficiency Testing Unit


Laboratory identification no. (check):


Dispatch date:
03 November 2025

Final date for return of results:
05 December 2025


Contact details:
The Organisers - FEPTU
UK Health Security Agency
61 Colindale Avenue,
London, NW9 5EQ, UK.
Tel: +44 (0) 20 8327 7119
e-mail: [email protected]






0006

Pathogenic Vibrio - Food and Environmental Proficiency Testing Unit

Pathogenic Vibrio Scheme (Vibrio spp.)
Request/Report Form
Distribution No: V073
Sample number: V0186 and V0187
Download the sample instruction sheet:
Video on sample processing:




Pathogenic Vibrio scheme instruction sheet
Processing samples - Pathogenic Vibrio Scheme


Download the safety data sheet:


Safety data sheet - Freeze-dried format
If you cannot examine any of these samples return your results as ‘Not examined’
Request:

(i) Examine the samples for Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Vibrio cholerae and Vibrio vulnificus
(ii) Perform as you would for the routine examination of relevant foods and enter results in the table below as either detected, not detected, levels for V. parahaemolyticus only (cfu g-1) or not examined (NE)

Results:

Sample No

V. parahaemolyticus
(detected / not detected)

V. parahaemolyticus
(cfu g-1)

V. cholerae
(detected/ not detected)

V. vulnificus
(detected / not detected)
V0186




V0187





Microbiologist’s comments:




Authorised by:

Date reported:



Food and Environmental Proficiency Testing Unit


Laboratory identification no. (check):


Dispatch date:
03 November 2025

Final date for return of results:
05 December 2025


Contact details:
The Organisers - FEPTU
UK Health Security Agency
61 Colindale Avenue,
London, NW9 5EQ, UK.
Tel: +44 (0) 20 8327 7119
e-mail: [email protected]



0006



European Food Microbiology Legislation - Food and Environmental Proficiency Testing Unit

European Food Microbiology Legislation Scheme
Request/Report Form
Distribution No: EFL73
Sample number: EFL217
Download the sample instruction sheet.
Video on sample processing.




European Food Legislation Scheme Instruction sheet
Processing samples - European Food Law
Download the safety data sheet:
Safety data sheet - LENTICULE
If you cannot examine any of these samples return your results as ‘Not examined’
Sample
Details:

Freshly cold pressed organic mango juice taken from a juice bar before being put on sale, intended to be consumed within two days and is pH 5

Request:

Test to determine whether this sample complies with the relevant criteria stipulated in Commission Regulation (EC) No. 2073/2005 as amended

Examination 1:
Result
Enter: Detected, Not Detected (ND), Not Examined (NE) or level (*cfu g-1)
Indicate the applicable food category for this sample (e.g. 1.18)

Name of examination

Method used (e.g. ISO number)

Amount of sample examined – only complete for absence/presence examinations (g or ml)

Result (include units e.g. cfu per g)

How many samples from the batch are required for compliance with EC No. 2073/2005 as amended

What conclusion can you draw from your result for this examination?


Food and Environmental Proficiency Testing Unit

Laboratory identification no. (check):

Examination 2:
Result
Enter: Detected, Not Detected (ND), Not Examined (NE) or level (*cfu g-1)
Indicate the applicable food category for this sample (e.g. 1.18)

Name of examination

Method used (e.g. ISO number)

Amount of sample examined - only complete for absence/presence examinations (g or ml)

Result (include units e.g. cfu per g)

How many samples from the batch are required for compliance with EC No. 2073/2005 as amended

What conclusion can you draw from your result for this examination?



Examination 3:
Result
Enter: Detected, Not Detected (ND), Not Examined (NE) or level (*cfu g-1)
Indicate the applicable food category for this sample (e.g. 1.18)

Name of examination

Method used (e.g. ISO number)

Amount of sample examined - only complete for absence/presence examinations (g or ml)

Result (include units e.g. cfu per g)

How many samples from the batch are required for compliance with EC No. 2073/2005 as amended

What conclusion can you draw from your result for this examination?






What is your overall batch conclusion for this sample?














Enter any microbiologist’s comments if you wish to do so:














Authorised by: Date:



Food and Environmental Proficiency Testing Unit


Laboratory identification no. (check):


Dispatch date:
03 November 2025

Final date for return of results:
05 December 2025


Contact details:
The Organisers - FEPTU
UK Health Security Agency
61 Colindale Avenue,
London, NW9 5EQ, UK.
Tel: +44 (0) 20 8327 7119
e-mail: [email protected]



0006



European Food Microbiology Legislation - Food and Environmental Proficiency Testing Unit

European Food Microbiology Legislation Scheme
Request/Report Form
Distribution No: EFL73
Sample number: EFL218
Download the sample instruction sheet.
Video on sample processing.




European Food Legislation Scheme Instruction sheet
Processing samples - European Food Law
Download the safety data sheet:
Safety data sheet - LENTICULE
If you cannot examine any of these samples return your results as ‘Not examined’
Sample
Details:
Frozen custard dessert made with cream, ice, sugar and raw egg yolks, sampled at the end of the manufacturing process
Request:

Test to determine whether this sample complies with the relevant criteria stipulated in Commission Regulation (EC) No. 2073/2005 as amended

Examination 1:
Result
Enter: Detected, Not Detected (ND), Not Examined (NE) or level (*cfu g-1)
Indicate the applicable food category for this sample (e.g. 1.18)

Name of examination

Method used (e.g. ISO number)

Amount of sample examined – only complete for absence/presence examinations (g or ml)

Result (include units e.g. cfu per g)

How many samples from the batch are required for compliance with EC No. 2073/2005 as amended

What conclusion can you draw from your result for this examination?


Food and Environmental Proficiency Testing Unit

Laboratory identification no. (check):

Examination 2:
Result
Enter: Detected, Not Detected (ND), Not Examined (NE) or level (*cfu g-1)
Indicate the applicable food category for this sample (e.g. 1.18)

Name of examination

Method used (e.g. ISO number)

Amount of sample examined - only complete for absence/presence examinations (g or ml)

Result (include units e.g. cfu per g)

How many samples from the batch are required for compliance with EC No. 2073/2005 as amended

What conclusion can you draw from your result for this examination?



Examination 3:
Result
Enter: Detected, Not Detected (ND), Not Examined (NE) or level (*cfu g-1)
Indicate the applicable food category for this sample (e.g. 1.18)

Name of examination

Method used (e.g. ISO number)

Amount of sample examined - only complete for absence/presence examinations (g or ml)

Result (include units e.g. cfu per g)

How many samples from the batch are required for compliance with EC No. 2073/2005 as amended

What conclusion can you draw from your result for this examination?






What is your overall batch conclusion for this sample?














Enter any microbiologist’s comments if you wish to do so:














Authorised by: Date:



Food and Environmental Proficiency Testing Unit


Laboratory identification no. (check):


Dispatch date:
03 November 2025

Final date for return of results:
05 December 2025


Contact details:
The Organisers - FEPTU
UK Health Security Agency
61 Colindale Avenue,
London, NW9 5EQ, UK.
Tel: +44 (0) 20 8327 7119
e-mail: [email protected]



0006



European Food Microbiology Legislation - Food and Environmental Proficiency Testing Unit

European Food Microbiology Legislation Scheme
Request/Report Form
Distribution No: EFL73
Sample number: EFL219
Download the sample instruction sheet.
Video on sample processing.




European Food Legislation Scheme Instruction sheet
Processing samples - European Food Law
Download the safety data sheet:
Safety data sheet - LENTICULE
If you cannot examine any of these samples return your results as ‘Not examined’
Sample
Details:

End of line sampling of a fried garlic shrimp dish

Request:

Test to determine whether this sample complies with the relevant criteria stipulated in Commission Regulation (EC) No. 2073/2005 as amended

Examination 1:
Result
Enter: Detected, Not Detected (ND), Not Examined (NE) or level (*cfu g-1)
Indicate the applicable food category for this sample (e.g. 1.18)

Name of examination

Method used (e.g. ISO number)

Amount of sample examined – only complete for absence/presence examinations (g or ml)

Result (include units e.g. cfu per g)

How many samples from the batch are required for compliance with EC No. 2073/2005 as amended

What conclusion can you draw from your result for this examination?


Food and Environmental Proficiency Testing Unit

Laboratory identification no. (check):

Examination 2:
Result
Enter: Detected, Not Detected (ND), Not Examined (NE) or level (*cfu g-1)
Indicate the applicable food category for this sample (e.g. 1.18)

Name of examination

Method used (e.g. ISO number)

Amount of sample examined - only complete for absence/presence examinations (g or ml)

Result (include units e.g. cfu per g)

How many samples from the batch are required for compliance with EC No. 2073/2005 as amended

What conclusion can you draw from your result for this examination?



Examination 3:
Result
Enter: Detected, Not Detected (ND), Not Examined (NE) or level (*cfu g-1)
Indicate the applicable food category for this sample (e.g. 1.18)

Name of examination

Method used (e.g. ISO number)

Amount of sample examined - only complete for absence/presence examinations (g or ml)

Result (include units e.g. cfu per g)

How many samples from the batch are required for compliance with EC No. 2073/2005 as amended

What conclusion can you draw from your result for this examination?






What is your overall batch conclusion for this sample?














Enter any microbiologist’s comments if you wish to do so:














Authorised by: Date:



Food and Environmental Proficiency Testing Unit

Laboratory identification no. (check): Dispatch date: 03 November 2025 Final date for return of results: 12 December 2025

Contact details:
The Organisers - FEPTU
UK Health Security Agency
61 Colindale Avenue,
London, NW9 5EQ, UK.
Tel: +44 (0) 20 8327 7119
e-mail: [email protected]




0006

Standard - Food and Environmental Proficiency Testing Unit

Standard Scheme - Request/Report Form


Distribution No.: 390
Sample numbers: S0817 and S0818

Download the sample instruction sheet.
Video on sample processing.
Standard Scheme Instruction Sheet
Processing samples - Standard Scheme

Download the safety data sheet:
Safety data sheet - Freeze-dried format

If you cannot examine any of these samples return your results as ‘Not examined’

Request:
I. Determine the level of Campylobacter spp.
II. Examine for Campylobacter spp., E.coli O157, Salmonella spp. and Yersinia enterocolitica
III. Determine the Aerobic colony count
IV. Determine the level of Enterobacteriaceae


Food and Environmental Proficiency Testing Unit

Laboratory identification no. (check):





Not examined
Enrichment media used / Conditions of incubation
Media used
Method used
Analyst
S0817
S0818
Campylobacter spp.


Bolton Broth

Chromogenic agar - please state

ISO 10272-1:2017
Nominated result:





Preston broth

Modified charcoal cefoperazone deoxycholate agar (mCCDA/CCDA)


PCR
Result 2:





Other – please specify

Preston agar

VIDAS











Result 3:







Other– please specify

Other – please specify



Campylobacter spp. (*cfu g-1)


41.5°C/48h


Chromogenic agar - please state


ISO 10272-2:2017
Nominated result:





Other– please specify

Modified charcoal cefoperazone deoxycholate agar (mCCDA/CCDA)


Other – please specify
Result 2:







Preston agar













Result 3:







Other– please specify





Escherichia coli O157


Modified  buffered peptone water

Cefixime tellurite sorbitol MacConkey agar (CT-SMAC)

ISO 16654:2001
Nominated result:





Modified Tryptone soya

Chromogenic agar - please state

PCR











Result 2:





Other – please specify

Other– please specify

VIDAS











Result 3









Other – please specify












Food and Environmental Proficiency Testing Unit

Laboratory identification no. (check):



Not examined
Enrichment media used /
Conditions of incubation
Media used
Method used
Analyst
S0817
S0818

Salmonella spp.


Dulcitol selenite

Bismuth sulfite agar (BSA)

ISO 6579-1:2017
Nominated result:






Muller-Kauffman tetrathionate/novobiocin


Brilliant green agar (BGA)

PCR







Rappaport-Vassiliadis with soya

Chromogenic agar - please state

VIDAS
Result 2:






Selenite cysteine

Deoxycholate agar (DCA)

Other – please specify







Other – please specify

Xylose lysine deoxycholate agar (XLD)



Result 3:








Other – please specify







Yersinia enterocolitica


Tris Buffered Peptone Water (TRIS)

Cefsulodin Irgasan Novobiocin agar (CIN)

ISO 10273:2017
Nominated result:






Other – please specify

Other – please specify

ISO/TS 18867:2015
Result 2:










Other – please specify
Result 3:










Food and Environmental Proficiency Testing Unit



Laboratory identification no. (check):









Not examined
Enrichment media used /
Conditions of incubation
Media used
Method used
Analyst
S0817
S0818
Aerobic colony count
(*cfu g-1)


22°C/72h

Milk plate count agar

ISO 4833-1:2013
Nominated result:





25°C/72h

Petrifilm TM

ISO 4833-2:2013






30°C/48h

Plate count agar

MPN – TEMPO
Result 2:





30°C/72h

Other– please specify

Other– please specify






37°C/24h




Result 3:





Other– please specify







Enterobacteriaceae
(*cfu g-1)


30°C/24h

Chromogenic agar – please state

ISO 21528-1:2017
Nominated result:





37°C/24h

Petrifilm TM

ISO 21528-2:2017











Result 2:





Other– please specify

Violet red bile glucose agar (VRBGA)

MPN – TEMPO










Other – please specify


MPN – Tube combination












Result 3:









Other– please specify




Microbiologist’s comments:




Authorised by: Date reported




Food and Environmental Proficiency Testing Unit

Laboratory identification no. (check):

Dispatch date:
03 November 2025
Final date for return of results:
28 November 2025

Contact details:
The Organisers - FEPTU
UK Health Security Agency
61 Colindale Avenue,
London, NW9 5EQ, UK.
Tel: +44 (0) 20 8327 7119
e-mail: [email protected]






0006

Environmental Swab - Food and Environmental Proficiency Testing Unit

Environmental Swab Scheme - Request/Report Form

Distribution No: ES39
Sample numbers: ES0077 and ES0078
Download the sample instruction sheet.
Swab Scheme Instruction Sheet

Download the safety data sheet:

Safety Data Sheet - LENTICULE
If you cannot examine any of these samples tick this box and return the form to the organisers 
Sample type:
ES0077: Random swab the container used to store onions
ES0078: Random area swab from inside the container that the pasta was stored in


Request:
Examine samples following your routine protocol for pathogens based on the outbreak scenario provided.

If your laboratory does not examine for a certain pathogen/s that is potentially implicated in an outbreak please enter a result of ‘Not examined’ for that pathogen when entering your results online.

Food and Environmental Proficiency Testing Unit

Laboratory identification no. (check):


Outbreak details for ES0077:


A local authority was alerted on 5 November to increased number of cases where 25 people complained of stomach-aches, vomiting and diarrhoea. 8 people were hospitalised, with 3 people who were elderly with life-threatening HUS. When investigated, it was found that all people involved had takeaway or dined-in at a local fast-food restaurants 3-6 days before symptoms showed. Patients’ food orders varied from vegetarian wraps and chicken wraps to hamburgers. When further inquired with staff, raw sliced onions were included in every order. The staff reported that the onion was prepared at the beginning of the day and was out on the bench till midnight. 


Results for ES0077:


Pathogens examined for
(up to four can be listed)
Detection results
Enumeration results
(report as *cfu per swab)
















Outbreak details for ES0078:

A group of 4 young girls aged 11 to 13 years old were hospitalised at 3 am on 4 November due to severe abdominal pain and severe vomiting at a sleepover party. One patient said they had found a container of pasta salad on the kitchen counter and reheated to eat it a few hours before they became ill. As the pasta salad had an unusual smell, the girls only ate a small amount. The parent at the household said that they had left the salad out on the counter on the day before and it had been in the fridge for nearly a week.   

Results for ES0078:

Pathogens examined for
(up to four can be listed)
Detection results
Enumeration results
(report as *cfu per swab)













Authorised by:
Date reported:




Food and Environmental Proficiency Testing Unit


Laboratory identification no. (check):
Lab No.

Dispatch date:
03 November 2025

Final date for return of results:
05 December 2025


Contact details:
The Organisers - FEPTU
UK Health Security Agency
61 Colindale Avenue,
London, NW9 5EQ, UK.
Tel: +44 (0) 20 8327 7119
e-mail: [email protected]



Norovirus and Hepatitis A - Food and Environmental Proficiency Testing Unit


Norovirus and Hepatitis A Virus Scheme - Request/Report Form
Distribution No: NHV017
Sample numbers: NHV0033 and NHV0034
Download the instruction sheet:
Norovirus & Hepatitis A scheme instruction sheet

Download the safety data sheet:
Safety Data Sheet - LENTICULE
If you cannot examine any of these samples return your results as ‘Not examined’
Request:


(i) Examine for the presence of viruses (norovirus GI and GII, hepatitis A virus)
(ii) Quantify these viruses in the sample (if routinely done)







Results for NHV0033













Pos/neg
Ct value
Quantity (copies/ sample)
Final
Results
GI




GII




HAV



Comments
























Results for xxxx





Results for NHV0034



Pos/neg
Ct value
Quantity (copies/ sample)
Final
Results
GI




GII




HAV



Comments






Please provide us with details of the following method elements before returning this form.

RNA extraction



Conventional or real-time? (Please indicate whether you used conventional RT-PCR or real-time RT-PCR)




One-step or two-step? (Please indicate whether you used one-step or two-step RT-PCR)




RT-PCR reagents (Note: If two-step RT-PCR was used please provide details of reagents used for both RT and PCR elements)





RT-PCR cycling parameters (Note: if two-step RT-PCR was used please provide details of parameters used for both RT and PCR elements)





GI primers (and probe) (Please provide sequences and a reference if possible)





GII primers (and probe) (Please provide sequences and a reference if possible)





HAV primers (and probe) (Please provide sequences and a reference if possible)





Generation of own quantification standards









Authorised by:
Date reported:



Food and Environmental Proficiency Testing Unit


Laboratory identification no. (check):


Dispatch date:
03 November 2025

Final date for return of results:
05 December 2025


Contact details:
The Organisers - FEPTU
UK Health Security Agency
61 Colindale Avenue,
London, NW9 5EQ, UK.
Tel: +44 (0) 20 8327 7119
e-mail: [email protected]







0006

Shellfish - Food and Environmental Proficiency Testing Unit



Shellfish Scheme Request/Report Form
Distribution No: SF081
Sample numbers: SF0170
Download the sample instruction sheet.
Video on sample processing:
Shellfish instruction sheet
Sample processing - Shellfish
Download the safety data sheet:

Safety Data Sheet - LENTICULE
If you cannot examine any of these samples return your results as ‘Not examined’
Analyse sample material for E. coli (in duplicate) and Salmonella spp. (one replicate)
Please indicate if your laboratory is an 'Official Control Laboratory' for your Country for Shellfish testing Yes/No


E. coli enumeration
Preparation
It is recommended a minimum of 4 dilutions are prepared for each sample examined

Analyse each sample in duplicate
Reporting result
Report E. coli as MPN per 100g

Report tube combination used to determine MPN value from MPN table / calculator (report results from all tubes used) (e.g. 532 or 5320*)
* Note: For laboratories undertaking official control analysis of Escherichia coli in live bivalve molluscs to satisfy the requirements of Regulation (EC) 854/2004 and Regulation (EU) 2015/2285 should follow ISO 7218:2007/Amd 1:2013 which states 'In any circumstance when more than three dilutions are made, it is essential that all measured data values be used. It is not scientifically correct to "select" any combination of values on the premise that these values are more "correct" than other combinations. The results from all possible combinations of positive tubes should be recorded and the MPN calculator (http://standards.iso.org/iso/7218/) used to derive MPN values'.





Food and Environmental Proficiency Testing Unit

Laboratory identification no. (check):

Results:

Salmonella spp. ______________________________ (report as detected or not detected in 25g)

Replicate 1 – E. coli enumeration



Primary broth

Growth of E. coli on chromogenic agar


Tube Number
Segment Number

1
2
3
4
5
No.
1
2
3
4
5
No.

Acid production
Pos

Pos
1g












0.1g












0.01g












0.001g













Tube combination used to determine MPN from MPN tables (report all tube combinations used to determine the MPN results) (e.g. 552 or 5520).............................……..
E. coli MPN.................................................... per 100g


Replicate 2 – E. coli enumeration



Primary broth

Growth of E. coli on chromogenic agar


Tube Number
Segment Number

1
2
3
4
5
No.
1
2
3
4
5
No.

Acid production
Pos

Pos
1g












0.1g












0.01g












0.001g














Tube combination used to determine MPN from MPN tables (report all tube combinations used to determine the MPN results) (e.g. 552 or 5520) ............................……..
E. coli MPN.................................................... per 100g

Comments:


Authorised by: Date reported:



Food and Environmental Proficiency Testing Unit


Laboratory identification no. (check):


Dispatch date:
03 November 2025

Final date for return of results:
05 December 2025


Contact details:
The Organisers - FEPTU
UK Health Security Agency
61 Colindale Avenue,
London, NW9 5EQ, UK.
Tel: +44 (0) 20 8327 7119
e-mail: [email protected]







0006

Shellfish - Food and Environmental Proficiency Testing Unit



Shellfish Scheme Request/Report Form
Distribution No: SF081
Sample numbers: SF0171
Download the sample instruction sheet.
Video on sample processing:
Shellfish instruction sheet
Sample processing - Shellfish
Download the safety data sheet:

Safety Data Sheet - LENTICULE
If you cannot examine any of these samples return your results as ‘Not examined’
Analyse sample material for E. coli (in duplicate) and Salmonella spp. (one replicate)
Please indicate if your laboratory is an 'Official Control Laboratory' for your Country for Shellfish testing Yes/No


E. coli enumeration
Preparation
It is recommended a minimum of 4 dilutions are prepared for each sample examined

Analyse each sample in duplicate
Reporting result
Report E. coli as MPN per 100g

Report tube combination used to determine MPN value from MPN table / calculator (report results from all tubes used) (e.g. 532 or 5320*)
* Note: For laboratories undertaking official control analysis of Escherichia coli in live bivalve molluscs to satisfy the requirements of Regulation (EC) 854/2004 and Regulation (EU) 2015/2285 should follow ISO 7218:2007/Amd 1:2013 which states 'In any circumstance when more than three dilutions are made, it is essential that all measured data values be used. It is not scientifically correct to "select" any combination of values on the premise that these values are more "correct" than other combinations. The results from all possible combinations of positive tubes should be recorded and the MPN calculator (http://standards.iso.org/iso/7218/) used to derive MPN values'.





Food and Environmental Proficiency Testing Unit

Laboratory identification no. (check):

Results:

Salmonella spp. ______________________________ (report as detected or not detected in 25g)

Replicate 1 – E. coli enumeration



Primary broth

Growth of E. coli on chromogenic agar


Tube Number
Segment Number

1
2
3
4
5
No.
1
2
3
4
5
No.

Acid production
Pos

Pos
1g












0.1g












0.01g












0.001g













Tube combination used to determine MPN from MPN tables (report all tube combinations used to determine the MPN results) (e.g. 552 or 5520).............................……..
E. coli MPN.................................................... per 100g


Replicate 2 – E. coli enumeration



Primary broth

Growth of E. coli on chromogenic agar


Tube Number
Segment Number

1
2
3
4
5
No.
1
2
3
4
5
No.

Acid production
Pos

Pos
1g












0.1g












0.01g












0.001g














Tube combination used to determine MPN from MPN tables (report all tube combinations used to determine the MPN results) (e.g. 552 or 5520) ............................……..
E. coli MPN.................................................... per 100g

Comments:


Authorised by: Date reported: