| Dokumendiregister | Terviseamet |
| Viit | 13.2-1/26/528-1 |
| Registreeritud | 20.01.2026 |
| Sünkroonitud | 21.01.2026 |
| Liik | Sissetulev dokument |
| Funktsioon | 13.2 Laborite kliendihaldus |
| Sari | 13.2-1 Kliendihalduse kirjavahetus |
| Toimik | 13.2-1/2026 |
| Juurdepääsupiirang | Avalik |
| Juurdepääsupiirang | |
| Adressaat | FoodEQA |
| Saabumis/saatmisviis | FoodEQA |
| Vastutaja | Liisi Kink (TA, Peadirektori asetäitja (2) vastutusvaldkond, Rahvatervise labor) |
| Originaal | Ava uues aknas |
|
Tähelepanu! Tegemist on väljastpoolt asutust saabunud kirjaga. Tundmatu saatja korral palume linke ja faile mitte avada. |
Dear Participants
UKHSA Food and Water Microbiology EQA Distributions: 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027
The current distribution period for the UKHSA food and water microbiology EQA schemes is coming to an end and it is essential that we update our records accurately for the next distribution year starting on 1 April 2026. Please access the on-line system for re-registration by going to www.phe-eqa.org.uk/ and follow the instructions attached to this message (FEPTU722 -IT system-instructions for online system for re-registration). Please contact us if you experience difficulties with the on-line system or do not have your log-in details (identity or password). Please note you must re-register before 13 February 2026 if you wish to continue receiving your EQA distributions from April 2026 onwards.
You are advised to refer to the attachment: FEPTU483 - Schedules and Prices 2026-2027 to help inform your choices for the coming distribution year. You may register for as many or as few distributions of any scheme as you wish. Nevertheless, please be advised that the schemes, their associated scoring systems and the performance assessments (where applicable) are designed so that testing all the samples provided for a scheme gives the best possible assessment of your laboratory’s performance.
You may register for additional sets of samples. However, you will not be able to return results for these additional sets unless you request an additional laboratory identification number. If you wish to do this please contact [email protected]
Additional information
Please note you will receive your confirmation of registration once the distribution period has closed.
Please contact us if you have any queries about your registration details or the schemes in general.
Yours sincerely
![]()
Nita Patel
Head of FEPTU
FEPTU483.21 Page 1 of 13
Schedules and prices: 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027
UKHSA Food and Water Microbiology External Quality Assessment Schemes
0006
UK Health Security Agency Food and Environmental Proficiency Testing Unit (FEPTU) 61 Colindale Avenue London NW9 5EQ United Kingdom
Tel: + 44 (0)20 8327 7119 Email : [email protected] Website: www.feptu.org.uk
We aim to meet all the dates in this document you will be advised as soon as possible if any changes have to be made.
Please contact us if you do not receive your samples within seven days of the listed dispatch dates
FEPTU483.21 Page 2 of 13
STANDARD SCHEME food microbiology examinations
Sample schedule for 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027
Note for this scheme molecular methods can be used for pathogen examination or as a confirmation test
Distribution number
Sample numbers
Dispatch date
Date results due by
Examinations and enumerations required Up to three sets of results can be reported
396 S0829
S0830
11/05/2026 19/06/2026 Campylobacter spp. detection
Campylobacter spp. enumeration
Escherichia coli O157 detection
Salmonella spp. detection
Aerobic colony count
Enterobacteriaceae enumeration
398 S0833
S0834
06/07/2026 14/08/2026 Presumptive Bacillus cereus enumeration
Coagulase-positive staphylococci enumeration
Listeria spp. (including L. mono) enumeration
Listeria monocytogenes enumeration
Aerobic colony count
Coliform enumeration
400 S0837
S0838
07/09/2026 16/10/2026 Cronobacter spp. detection
Listeria spp. (including L. mono) detection
Listeria monocytogenes detection
Clostridium perfringens enumeration
Aerobic colony count
Escherichia coli enumeration
402 S0841
S0842
02/11/2026 11/12/2026 Campylobacter spp. detection
Campylobacter spp. enumeration
Escherichia coli O157 detection
Salmonella spp. detection
Aerobic colony count
Enterobacteriaceae enumeration
Yersinia enterocolitica
404 S0845
S0846
25/01/2027 05/03/2027 Presumptive Bacillus cereus enumeration
Coagulase-positive staphylococci enumeration
Listeria spp. (including L. mono) enumeration
Listeria monocytogenes enumeration
Aerobic colony count
Coliform enumeration
406 S0849
S0850
08/03/2027 16/04/2027 Listeria spp. (including L. mono) detection
Listeria monocytogenes detection
Salmonella spp. detection
Clostridium perfringens enumeration
Sulfite-reducing Clostridium spp.
Aerobic colony count
Escherichia coli enumeration
FEPTU483.21 Page 3 of 13
EUROPEAN FOOD MICROBIOLOGY LEGISLATION SCHEME Regulation (EC) 2073/2005 Microbiological Criteria for Foodstuffs associated with
Regulation (EC) 852/2004 and subsequent amendments
food microbiology examinations
Sample schedule for 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027
NON-PATHOGEN SCHEME food microbiology examinations
Sample schedule for 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027
Distribution number
Sample numbers
Dispatch date
Date results due by
Food category Examinations and enumerations required
EFL75 EFL223 EFL224 EFL225
11/05/2026 12/06/2026 Meat
According to the Food Safety or Process Hygiene Criteria
EFL76 EFL226 EFL227 EFL228
07/09/2026 09/10/2026 Dairy
EFL77 EFL229 EFL230 EFL231
02/11/2026 04/12/2026 Ready to eat product
EFL78 EFL232 EFL233 EFL234
25/01/2027 26/02/2027 Miscellaneous
Distribution number
Sample numbers
Dispatch date
Date results due by
Examinations and enumerations required Up to three sets of results can be reported
NP083 NP0221 NP0222
11/05/2026 26/06/2026
Pseudomonas spp. Yeasts Moulds Coliforms Enterobacteriaceae Escherichia coli Enterococci Lactic acid bacteria Aerobic colony count at 30°C All the above enumerations are included for all samples. An option to register for PYM (Pseudomonas spp., yeasts and moulds only) is available
NP084 NP0223 NP0224
07/09/2026 23/10/2026
NP085 NP0225 NP0226
25/01/2027 12/03/2027
FEPTU483.21 Page 4 of 13
SHELLFISH SCHEME food microbiology examinations
Sample schedule for 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027
PATHOGENIC VIBRIO SCHEME food and water microbiology examinations
Sample schedule for 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027
STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS ENTEROTOXIN SCHEME food microbiology examinations
Sample schedule for 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027
Distribution number
Sample numbers
Dispatch date
Date results due by
Examinations and enumerations required
SF083 SF0174 SF0175
06/07/2026 07/08/2026
Escherichia coli MPN Salmonella spp. detection
SF084 SF0176 SF0177
02/11/2026 04/12/2026
SF085 SF0178 SF0179
08/03/2027 09/04/2027
Distribution number
Sample numbers
Dispatch date
Date results due by
Examinations and enumerations required
V075 V0190 V0191
06/07/2026
07/08/2026
Detection: Vibrio cholerae non-O1 and non-O139 strains Vibrio vulnificus Detection and enumeration: Vibrio parahaemolyticus
V076 V0192 V0193
02/11/2026 04/12/2026
V077 V0194 V0195
08/03/2027 09/04/2027
Distribution number
Sample numbers
Dispatch date
Date results due by
Examinations required
STA055 ST0109 ST0110
11/05/2026 12/06/2026 Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin
STA056 ST0111 ST0112
07/09/2026 09/10/2026
FEPTU483.21 Page 5 of 13
ENVIRONMENTAL SWAB SCHEME environmental microbiology examinations
Sample schedule for 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027
SHIGA TOXIN-PRODUCING ESCHERICHIA COLI SCHEME food microbiology examinations
Sample schedule for 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027
Distribution number
Sample numbers
Dispatch date
Date results due by
Examinations required
ES41 ES0081 ES0082
11/05/2026 05/06/2026 Relevant pathogen relating to outbreak details as provided on the request form – note the list below is not exhaustive
Bacillus cereus Campylobacter spp. Coagulase-positive staphylococci Escherichia coli O157 Listeria monocytogenes Salmonella spp.
ES42 ES0083 ES0084
07/09/2026 02/10/2026 Enumeration of hygiene indicator organisms
Aerobic colony count Bacillus cereus Escherichia coli Enterobacteriaceae Listeria spp.
ES43 ES0085 ES0086
02/11/2026 27/11/2026 Relevant pathogen relating to outbreak details as provided on the request form – note the list below is not exhaustive
Bacillus cereus Campylobacter spp. Coagulase-positive staphylococci Escherichia coli O157 Listeria monocytogenes Salmonella spp.
ES44 ES0087 ES0088
08/03/2027 02/04/2027
Enumeration of hygiene indicator organisms
Aerobic colony count Bacillus cereus Escherichia coli Enterobacteriaceae Listeria spp.
Distribution number
Sample numbers
Dispatch date
Date results due by
Examinations required Samples can only be examined using molecular
methods
STX20 STX039 STX040
06/07/2026 31/07/2026
Detection of the major virulence genes associated with Escherichia coli serogroups O157, O111, O26, O103, O145 and O104:H4 (STEC) Includes detection of stx-coding genes and the presence of the intimin-coding gene eae
STX21 STX041 STX042
25/01/2027 19/02/2027
FEPTU483.21 Page 6 of 13
NOROVIRUS AND HEPATITIS A VIRUS SCHEME (non accredited)
food and water microbiology examinations
Sample schedule for 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027
Distribution number
Sample numbers
Dispatch date
Date results due by
Examinations required Samples can only be examined using molecular
methods
NHV019 NHV0037 NHV0038
02/11/2026 04/12/2026 Detection of Norovirus GI and GII and Hepatitis A Virus Optional: Quantification of Norovirus GI and GII and Hepatitis A Virus
NHV020 NHV0039 NHV0040
08/03/2027 09/04/2027
FEPTU483.21 Page 7 of 13
LEGIONELLA MOLECULAR SCHEME water microbiology examinations
Sample schedule for 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027
LEGIONELLA ISOLATION SCHEME water microbiology examinations
Sample schedule for 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027
Distribution number
Sample numbers
Dispatch date
Date results due by
Examinations and enumerations required per litre
G142 G142A
G142B
13/04/2026 22/05/2026
Detection, enumeration and identification of Legionella spp.
G143 G143A
G143B
01/06/2026 10/07/2026
G144 G144A
G144B
05/10/2026 13/11/2026
G145 G145A
G145B
04/01/2027 12/02/2027
Distribution number
Sample numbers
Dispatch date
Date results due by
Examinations and quantification required per litre
Samples can only be examined using molecular methods
LM19 LM19A
LM19B
03/08/2026 11/09/2026
Detection and quantification of Legionella spp. LM20 LM20A
LM20B
15/02/2027 26/03/2027
FEPTU483.21 Page 8 of 13
RECREATIONAL AND SURFACE WATER SCHEME water and environmental microbiology examinations
Sample schedule for 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027
Distribution number
Sample numbers
Dispatch date
Date results due by
Examinations and enumerations required
Salmonella spp. per litre Colony count per 1mL
All other counts are per 100mL
S129 S129A
S129B
13/04/2026 15/05/2026 swimming pool / hydrotherapy pool waters: Coagulase-positive staphylococci Coliform bacteria Escherichia coli Enterococci Pseudomonas aeruginosa Total staphylococci Colony count (37ºC/24 hours) Colony count (37ºC/48 hours)
S130 S130A
S130B
01/06/2026 03/07/2026 river, lake or stream waters: Coliform bacteria Escherichia coli Enterococci Faecal coliform Clostridium perfringens Salmonella spp. detection
S131 S131A
S131B
03/08/2026 04/09/2026 marine (bathing beach) waters: Escherichia coli Enterococci Salmonella spp.
S132 S132A
S132B
05/10/2026 06/11/2026 swimming pool / hydrotherapy pool waters: Coagulase-positive staphylococci Coliform bacteria Escherichia coli Enterococci Pseudomonas aeruginosa Total staphylococci Colony count (37ºC/24 hours) Colony count (37ºC/48 hours)
S133 S133A
S133B
04/01/2027 05/02/2027 river, lake or stream waters: Coliform bacteria Escherichia coli Enterococci Faecal coliforms Clostridium perfringens Salmonella spp.
S134 S134A
S134B
15/02/2027 19/03/2027 marine (bathing beach) waters: Escherichia coli Enterococci Salmonella spp.
FEPTU483.21 Page 9 of 13
BOTTLED AND MINERAL WATER SCHEME water and food microbiology examinations
Sample schedule for 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027
DRINKING WATER SCHEME water microbiology examinations
Sample schedule for 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027
Distribution number
Sample numbers
Dispatch date
Date results due by
Examinations and enumerations required
Colony count per 1mL All other counts are per 100mL
Up to three sets of results can be reported
W226 W226A
W226B
13/04/2026 15/05/2026
Coliform bacteria Escherichia coli Enterococci Clostridium perfringens Pseudomonas aeruginosa Colony count (37ºC/48 hours) Colony count (22ºC/72 hours)
W227 W227A
W227B
01/06/2026 03/07/2026
W228 W228A
W228B
03/08/2026 04/09/2026
W229 W229A
W229B
05/10/2026 06/11/2026
W230 W230A
W230B
04/01/2027 05/02/2027
W231 W231A
W231B
15/02/2027 19/03/2027
Distribution number
Sample numbers
Dispatch date
Date results due by
Examinations and enumerations required
Sporulated sulphite-reducing anaerobes per 50mL Colony count per 1mL
All other counts are per 250mL
BMW41 BMW41A
BMW41B
13/04/2026 08/05/2026 Coliform bacteria Escherichia coli Enterococci Pseudomonas aeruginosa Sporulated sulphite-reducing anaerobes Colony count (37ºC/24 hours) Colony count (22ºC/72 hours)
BMW42 BMW42A
BMW42B
03/08/2026 28/08/2026
BMW43 BMW43A
BMW43B
04/01/2027 29/01/2027
FEPTU483.21 Page 10 of 13
WASTEWATER SCHEME (non accredited)
water and environmental microbiology examinations
Sample schedule for 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027
Distribution number
Sample numbers
Dispatch date
Date results due by
Examinations and enumerations required
Per 100mL unless otherwise specified
WW003 WW003A
WW003B
03/08/2026 04/09/2026 Escherichia coli Total coliforms Enterococci Salmonella spp. per litre SARS-CoV-2 per 100mL
WW004 WW004A
WW004B
15/02/2027 19/03/2027
FEPTU483.21 Page 11 of 13
HOSPITAL WATERS
ENDOSCOPE RINSE WATER SCHEME water microbiology examinations
Sample schedule for 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027
Distribution number
Sample numbers
Dispatch date
Date results due by
Examinations and enumerations required
All counts are per 100mL
Up to three sets of results can be reported
EW42 EW42A
EW42B
13/04/2026 08/05/2026 Total viable counts (28ºC - 32ºC for 5 days) Pseudomonas aeruginosa Selected distribution: Yeasts/moulds (EW44) (optional)
EW43 EW43A
EW43B
03/08/2026 28/08/2026
EW44 EW44A
EW44B
04/01/2027 29/01/2027
MYCOBACTERIUM SPP. IN WATER SCHEME water microbiology examinations
Sample schedule for 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027
Distribution number
Sample numbers
Dispatch date
Date results due by
Examinations and enumerations required
All counts are per 100mL
MY027 MY027A
MY027B
13/04/2026 19/06/2026 Endoscope rinse water
MY028 MY028A
MY028B
01/06/2026 07/08/2026 Heater cooler water
MY029 MY029A
MY029B
05/10/2026 11/12/2026 Endoscope rinse water
MY030 MY030A
MY030B
04/01/2027 12/03/2027 Heater cooler water
FEPTU483.21 Page 12 of 13
HOSPITAL TAP WATER SCHEME water microbiology examinations
Sample schedule for 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027
DIALYSIS WATER SCHEME water microbiology examinations
Sample schedule for 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027
HYDROTHERAPY POOL WATERS – Please select distributions S129 and/or S132 from Recreational and Surface Water Scheme (see page 8)
Distribution number
Sample numbers
Dispatch date
Date results due by
Examinations and enumerations required
All counts are per 100mL
Up to three sets of results can be reported
HTW36 HTW36A
HTW36B
01/06/2026 26/06/2026 Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Selected distribution:
Mycobacterium spp. (HTW37 optional) *
*For this examination only result due by
11/12/2026
HTW37 HTW37A
HTW37B
05/10/2026 30/10/2026
HTW38 HTW38A
HTW38B
15/02/2027 12/03/2027
Distribution number
Sample numbers
Dispatch date
Date results due by
Examinations and enumerations required
All counts are per mL
Up to three sets of results can be reported
DW39 DW39A
DW39B
01/06/2026 26/06/2026
Total viable counts (17ºC - 23ºC for 7 days) DW40 DW40A
DW40B
05/10/2026 30/10/2026
DW41 DW41A
DW41B
15/02/2027 12/03/2027
FEPTU483.21 Page 13 of 13
PRICE LIST: 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027 UKHSA External Quality Assessment - Proficiency Testing for Microbiology
Number of distributions in
full scheme
Number of samples in each
distribution
Price for full
scheme
Price per distribution (if not registering for the full
scheme)
£ £
Food microbiology schemes Standard six two 1,996 343 European Food Microbiology Legislation four three 1,339 345 Shellfish three two 1,004 345 Non Pathogen three two 780 268 Non-Pathogen PYM option three two 253 87 Pathogenic Vibrio three two 1,125 380 Staphylococcus aureus Enterotoxin Two two 554 277 Environmental Swab four two 695 179 Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli two two 430 215
Norovirus and Hepatitis A Virus two two 996
498
Water microbiology schemes Legionella Isolation four two 834 215 Legionella Molecular two two 430 215 Recreational and Surface Water six two 1,472 253 Drinking Water six two 1,711 294 Bottled and Mineral Water three two 730 251
t
Wastewater two two 400 200
Endoscope Rinse Water three two 288 99 Dialysis Water three two 288 99 Hospital Tap Water three two 279 96
Mycobacterium spp. in Water four two 489 126
Dispatch charges: An additional charge will be made for dispatch to laboratories outside the United Kingdom. The charge will be kept to a minimum and does not include local airport tax charges which participants must arrange and cover
Additional samples Additional samples are available with every distribution for £58 per sample
Repeat samples: Repeat samples are free of charge - available only after a distribution has closed
Discount: An invoice value of £4,800 (excluding VAT) will be entitled to a 5% discount The above prices do not include VAT (Value Added Tax) If your laboratory does not participant in all distributions for a scheme the assessment of laboratory performance over time may be compromised For more information see our website: www.feptu.org.uk
1
On-line web instructions for re-registration of PT schemes
UK Health Security Agency has an electronic system for on-line reporting of external quality
assessment (EQA) results for the food and water microbiology proficiency testing (PT)
schemes. The system also integrates a wide range of functions including registration details,
data analysis and provision of distribution reports.
The following instructions will help to guide you through the system, from opening the
website and logging-in, to submitting your re-registration request. Please contact
[email protected] if you experience any difficulties.
1.0 Opening the online results reporting service and logging-in
You will need your Laboratory registration details Lab number, Identity and Password which
are important for your participation and for accessing the on-line system. Contact us if you
have lost your log-in details, we will send you the details immediately (after making a security
check). For more information on the schemes visit our new website: Scheme information.
In January 2025, you will be sent an email notifying you that the on-line system is open. That
message will have ‘UKHSA Food and Water Microbiology EQA Distributions: 1 April
2026 to 31 March 2027’ in the subject field and will include a link to the website for
registering your scheme participation. Either use the link in the message or go to the
website: www.phe-eqa.org.uk/
2
Once you have clicked on the link you will see the following screen:
Enter your ‘Lab Number’, your ‘Identity’ and ‘Password’. You can navigate through the
boxes using the tab key.
Select the ‘Log in’ button or press ‘enter’ on your keyboard.
2.0 Online re-registration for EQA schemes
Click on the ‘Re-registration’ tab, in the next screen two different tabs are shown:
‘Membership’ and ‘Contacts’ tabs. The dark turquoise shaded tab indicates the tab you are
using. In the ‘Membership’ tab, the schemes and the distributions available that can be
subscribed to are shown (2.1). In the ‘Contacts’ tab, your current details are shown these
can be amended if necessary (2.2).
Note: All the mandatory details are marked as ‘*’ and you will need to provide these details
before you can submit the form.
3
2.1 Entering membership details
Select the ‘Membership’ tab.
Select the hyperlink to ‘terms and conditions’, read the terms and conditions of participation.
If you agree with them tick the check box. This is a mandatory requirement of participation.
Enter your ‘Order Number’ in the blank text box area. If your organisation does not generate
an order number for goods or services purchased then enter your name as the nominated
individual completing the form.
If you are located in an EU country, check your VAT number in the text box shown on the
screen and amend them if necessary.
Enter your name in the ‘Online Registration Completed By’ text box.
The food and water schemes are listed, please see example for a food, water and PYM
schemes from previous year as an example below (note to refer to FEPTU483 for the latest
information). Columns show the ‘Scheme’ (by scheme name) ‘Distribution’ (by distribution
4
number), ‘Select’ (you must tick the check box to order the distribution) and the ‘Dispatch
date’ (for each distribution). The final column to the right of the screen allows you to request
additional sets of samples in addition to the routine set (please note additional samples are
charged for). Leave the box as ‘0’ if you do not require any additional sets of samples.
Food schemes:
Water Schemes:
To note the following information: You cannot select both Non-Pathogen distributions and the corresponding PYM options. They are both the same samples – you are registering for fewer tests with the PYM option.
If you do select the same distributions for Non-Pathogen and the PYM option then a prompt
box will appear, as shown below:
1. Shiga Toxin Escherichia coli Scheme distributions are for detection of shiga toxin-
producing Escherichia coli by molecular methods only.
5
2. Legionella Molecular Scheme distributions are for detection and quantification of
Legionella spp. by molecular methods only.
3. Norovirus and Hepatitis A Virus Scheme distributions are for detection of Norovirus GI
and GII and Hepatitis A Virus by molecular methods only.
4. For hydrotherapy pool waters please select distributions S129 and or S132 from
Recreational and Surface Water Scheme.
2.2 Entering your contact details Select the ‘Contact’ tab as shown below:
Check the contact details on screen and amend them if necessary.
Please provide your second email address in the additional email address text area.
If the ‘Finance Contact / Invoice Address’ details are same as the main address please tick
the check box ‘same as main address’
If your ‘Finance Contact / Invoice Address’ is different please enter those details as shown in
the screen below. Also, please contact [email protected] if your ‘Finance Contact /
Invoice Address’ has changed.
6
All the mandatory details are marked as ‘*’ and you will need to provide those details before
you submit the form. You will not be able to submit the form if any of the mandatory fields
have been left blank.
Notes:
5. If you have not ticked the check box to confirm that you agree to the Terms and Conditions, a prompt box will appear as shown below:
2.2 Submitting your online re-registration
Once you are ready to send us your re-registration details select the ‘Submit’ button.
7
A prompt box will appear to remind you to check the data you provided and to ‘submit’.
Select ‘OK’ to submit.
A prompt box will appear to confirm your re-registration has been submitted.
After your re-registration details have been submitted the ‘Re-registration’ button will no
longer appear on the screen.
Select ‘Logout’ to close your account.
An email detailing your participation will be sent after the re-registration process has been
closed. This will usually be in March 2026. You will also be notified when your certificate
of participation has been uploaded to the website. If any amendments are required to your
participation or the information shown in the email is incorrect contact the office on
FEPTU483.21 Page 1 of 13
Schedules and prices: 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027
UKHSA Food and Water Microbiology External Quality Assessment Schemes
0006
UK Health Security Agency Food and Environmental Proficiency Testing Unit (FEPTU) 61 Colindale Avenue London NW9 5EQ United Kingdom
Tel: + 44 (0)20 8327 7119 Email : [email protected] Website: www.feptu.org.uk
We aim to meet all the dates in this document you will be advised as soon as possible if any changes have to be made.
Please contact us if you do not receive your samples within seven days of the listed dispatch dates
FEPTU483.21 Page 2 of 13
STANDARD SCHEME food microbiology examinations
Sample schedule for 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027
Note for this scheme molecular methods can be used for pathogen examination or as a confirmation test
Distribution number
Sample numbers
Dispatch date
Date results due by
Examinations and enumerations required Up to three sets of results can be reported
396 S0829
S0830
11/05/2026 19/06/2026 Campylobacter spp. detection
Campylobacter spp. enumeration
Escherichia coli O157 detection
Salmonella spp. detection
Aerobic colony count
Enterobacteriaceae enumeration
398 S0833
S0834
06/07/2026 14/08/2026 Presumptive Bacillus cereus enumeration
Coagulase-positive staphylococci enumeration
Listeria spp. (including L. mono) enumeration
Listeria monocytogenes enumeration
Aerobic colony count
Coliform enumeration
400 S0837
S0838
07/09/2026 16/10/2026 Cronobacter spp. detection
Listeria spp. (including L. mono) detection
Listeria monocytogenes detection
Clostridium perfringens enumeration
Aerobic colony count
Escherichia coli enumeration
402 S0841
S0842
02/11/2026 11/12/2026 Campylobacter spp. detection
Campylobacter spp. enumeration
Escherichia coli O157 detection
Salmonella spp. detection
Aerobic colony count
Enterobacteriaceae enumeration
Yersinia enterocolitica
404 S0845
S0846
25/01/2027 05/03/2027 Presumptive Bacillus cereus enumeration
Coagulase-positive staphylococci enumeration
Listeria spp. (including L. mono) enumeration
Listeria monocytogenes enumeration
Aerobic colony count
Coliform enumeration
406 S0849
S0850
08/03/2027 16/04/2027 Listeria spp. (including L. mono) detection
Listeria monocytogenes detection
Salmonella spp. detection
Clostridium perfringens enumeration
Sulfite-reducing Clostridium spp.
Aerobic colony count
Escherichia coli enumeration
FEPTU483.21 Page 3 of 13
EUROPEAN FOOD MICROBIOLOGY LEGISLATION SCHEME Regulation (EC) 2073/2005 Microbiological Criteria for Foodstuffs associated with
Regulation (EC) 852/2004 and subsequent amendments
food microbiology examinations
Sample schedule for 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027
NON-PATHOGEN SCHEME food microbiology examinations
Sample schedule for 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027
Distribution number
Sample numbers
Dispatch date
Date results due by
Food category Examinations and enumerations required
EFL75 EFL223 EFL224 EFL225
11/05/2026 12/06/2026 Meat
According to the Food Safety or Process Hygiene Criteria
EFL76 EFL226 EFL227 EFL228
07/09/2026 09/10/2026 Dairy
EFL77 EFL229 EFL230 EFL231
02/11/2026 04/12/2026 Ready to eat product
EFL78 EFL232 EFL233 EFL234
25/01/2027 26/02/2027 Miscellaneous
Distribution number
Sample numbers
Dispatch date
Date results due by
Examinations and enumerations required Up to three sets of results can be reported
NP083 NP0221 NP0222
11/05/2026 26/06/2026
Pseudomonas spp. Yeasts Moulds Coliforms Enterobacteriaceae Escherichia coli Enterococci Lactic acid bacteria Aerobic colony count at 30°C All the above enumerations are included for all samples. An option to register for PYM (Pseudomonas spp., yeasts and moulds only) is available
NP084 NP0223 NP0224
07/09/2026 23/10/2026
NP085 NP0225 NP0226
25/01/2027 12/03/2027
FEPTU483.21 Page 4 of 13
SHELLFISH SCHEME food microbiology examinations
Sample schedule for 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027
PATHOGENIC VIBRIO SCHEME food and water microbiology examinations
Sample schedule for 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027
STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS ENTEROTOXIN SCHEME food microbiology examinations
Sample schedule for 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027
Distribution number
Sample numbers
Dispatch date
Date results due by
Examinations and enumerations required
SF083 SF0174 SF0175
06/07/2026 07/08/2026
Escherichia coli MPN Salmonella spp. detection
SF084 SF0176 SF0177
02/11/2026 04/12/2026
SF085 SF0178 SF0179
08/03/2027 09/04/2027
Distribution number
Sample numbers
Dispatch date
Date results due by
Examinations and enumerations required
V075 V0190 V0191
06/07/2026
07/08/2026
Detection: Vibrio cholerae non-O1 and non-O139 strains Vibrio vulnificus Detection and enumeration: Vibrio parahaemolyticus
V076 V0192 V0193
02/11/2026 04/12/2026
V077 V0194 V0195
08/03/2027 09/04/2027
Distribution number
Sample numbers
Dispatch date
Date results due by
Examinations required
STA055 ST0109 ST0110
11/05/2026 12/06/2026 Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin
STA056 ST0111 ST0112
07/09/2026 09/10/2026
FEPTU483.21 Page 5 of 13
ENVIRONMENTAL SWAB SCHEME environmental microbiology examinations
Sample schedule for 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027
SHIGA TOXIN-PRODUCING ESCHERICHIA COLI SCHEME food microbiology examinations
Sample schedule for 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027
Distribution number
Sample numbers
Dispatch date
Date results due by
Examinations required
ES41 ES0081 ES0082
11/05/2026 05/06/2026 Relevant pathogen relating to outbreak details as provided on the request form – note the list below is not exhaustive
Bacillus cereus Campylobacter spp. Coagulase-positive staphylococci Escherichia coli O157 Listeria monocytogenes Salmonella spp.
ES42 ES0083 ES0084
07/09/2026 02/10/2026 Enumeration of hygiene indicator organisms
Aerobic colony count Bacillus cereus Escherichia coli Enterobacteriaceae Listeria spp.
ES43 ES0085 ES0086
02/11/2026 27/11/2026 Relevant pathogen relating to outbreak details as provided on the request form – note the list below is not exhaustive
Bacillus cereus Campylobacter spp. Coagulase-positive staphylococci Escherichia coli O157 Listeria monocytogenes Salmonella spp.
ES44 ES0087 ES0088
08/03/2027 02/04/2027
Enumeration of hygiene indicator organisms
Aerobic colony count Bacillus cereus Escherichia coli Enterobacteriaceae Listeria spp.
Distribution number
Sample numbers
Dispatch date
Date results due by
Examinations required Samples can only be examined using molecular
methods
STX20 STX039 STX040
06/07/2026 31/07/2026
Detection of the major virulence genes associated with Escherichia coli serogroups O157, O111, O26, O103, O145 and O104:H4 (STEC) Includes detection of stx-coding genes and the presence of the intimin-coding gene eae
STX21 STX041 STX042
25/01/2027 19/02/2027
FEPTU483.21 Page 6 of 13
NOROVIRUS AND HEPATITIS A VIRUS SCHEME (non accredited)
food and water microbiology examinations
Sample schedule for 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027
Distribution number
Sample numbers
Dispatch date
Date results due by
Examinations required Samples can only be examined using molecular
methods
NHV019 NHV0037 NHV0038
02/11/2026 04/12/2026 Detection of Norovirus GI and GII and Hepatitis A Virus Optional: Quantification of Norovirus GI and GII and Hepatitis A Virus
NHV020 NHV0039 NHV0040
08/03/2027 09/04/2027
FEPTU483.21 Page 7 of 13
LEGIONELLA MOLECULAR SCHEME water microbiology examinations
Sample schedule for 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027
LEGIONELLA ISOLATION SCHEME water microbiology examinations
Sample schedule for 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027
Distribution number
Sample numbers
Dispatch date
Date results due by
Examinations and enumerations required per litre
G142 G142A
G142B
13/04/2026 22/05/2026
Detection, enumeration and identification of Legionella spp.
G143 G143A
G143B
01/06/2026 10/07/2026
G144 G144A
G144B
05/10/2026 13/11/2026
G145 G145A
G145B
04/01/2027 12/02/2027
Distribution number
Sample numbers
Dispatch date
Date results due by
Examinations and quantification required per litre
Samples can only be examined using molecular methods
LM19 LM19A
LM19B
03/08/2026 11/09/2026
Detection and quantification of Legionella spp. LM20 LM20A
LM20B
15/02/2027 26/03/2027
FEPTU483.21 Page 8 of 13
RECREATIONAL AND SURFACE WATER SCHEME water and environmental microbiology examinations
Sample schedule for 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027
Distribution number
Sample numbers
Dispatch date
Date results due by
Examinations and enumerations required
Salmonella spp. per litre Colony count per 1mL
All other counts are per 100mL
S129 S129A
S129B
13/04/2026 15/05/2026 swimming pool / hydrotherapy pool waters: Coagulase-positive staphylococci Coliform bacteria Escherichia coli Enterococci Pseudomonas aeruginosa Total staphylococci Colony count (37ºC/24 hours) Colony count (37ºC/48 hours)
S130 S130A
S130B
01/06/2026 03/07/2026 river, lake or stream waters: Coliform bacteria Escherichia coli Enterococci Faecal coliform Clostridium perfringens Salmonella spp. detection
S131 S131A
S131B
03/08/2026 04/09/2026 marine (bathing beach) waters: Escherichia coli Enterococci Salmonella spp.
S132 S132A
S132B
05/10/2026 06/11/2026 swimming pool / hydrotherapy pool waters: Coagulase-positive staphylococci Coliform bacteria Escherichia coli Enterococci Pseudomonas aeruginosa Total staphylococci Colony count (37ºC/24 hours) Colony count (37ºC/48 hours)
S133 S133A
S133B
04/01/2027 05/02/2027 river, lake or stream waters: Coliform bacteria Escherichia coli Enterococci Faecal coliforms Clostridium perfringens Salmonella spp.
S134 S134A
S134B
15/02/2027 19/03/2027 marine (bathing beach) waters: Escherichia coli Enterococci Salmonella spp.
FEPTU483.21 Page 9 of 13
BOTTLED AND MINERAL WATER SCHEME water and food microbiology examinations
Sample schedule for 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027
DRINKING WATER SCHEME water microbiology examinations
Sample schedule for 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027
Distribution number
Sample numbers
Dispatch date
Date results due by
Examinations and enumerations required
Colony count per 1mL All other counts are per 100mL
Up to three sets of results can be reported
W226 W226A
W226B
13/04/2026 15/05/2026
Coliform bacteria Escherichia coli Enterococci Clostridium perfringens Pseudomonas aeruginosa Colony count (37ºC/48 hours) Colony count (22ºC/72 hours)
W227 W227A
W227B
01/06/2026 03/07/2026
W228 W228A
W228B
03/08/2026 04/09/2026
W229 W229A
W229B
05/10/2026 06/11/2026
W230 W230A
W230B
04/01/2027 05/02/2027
W231 W231A
W231B
15/02/2027 19/03/2027
Distribution number
Sample numbers
Dispatch date
Date results due by
Examinations and enumerations required
Sporulated sulphite-reducing anaerobes per 50mL Colony count per 1mL
All other counts are per 250mL
BMW41 BMW41A
BMW41B
13/04/2026 08/05/2026 Coliform bacteria Escherichia coli Enterococci Pseudomonas aeruginosa Sporulated sulphite-reducing anaerobes Colony count (37ºC/24 hours) Colony count (22ºC/72 hours)
BMW42 BMW42A
BMW42B
03/08/2026 28/08/2026
BMW43 BMW43A
BMW43B
04/01/2027 29/01/2027
FEPTU483.21 Page 10 of 13
WASTEWATER SCHEME (non accredited)
water and environmental microbiology examinations
Sample schedule for 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027
Distribution number
Sample numbers
Dispatch date
Date results due by
Examinations and enumerations required
Per 100mL unless otherwise specified
WW003 WW003A
WW003B
03/08/2026 04/09/2026 Escherichia coli Total coliforms Enterococci Salmonella spp. per litre SARS-CoV-2 per 100mL
WW004 WW004A
WW004B
15/02/2027 19/03/2027
FEPTU483.21 Page 11 of 13
HOSPITAL WATERS
ENDOSCOPE RINSE WATER SCHEME water microbiology examinations
Sample schedule for 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027
Distribution number
Sample numbers
Dispatch date
Date results due by
Examinations and enumerations required
All counts are per 100mL
Up to three sets of results can be reported
EW42 EW42A
EW42B
13/04/2026 08/05/2026 Total viable counts (28ºC - 32ºC for 5 days) Pseudomonas aeruginosa Selected distribution: Yeasts/moulds (EW44) (optional)
EW43 EW43A
EW43B
03/08/2026 28/08/2026
EW44 EW44A
EW44B
04/01/2027 29/01/2027
MYCOBACTERIUM SPP. IN WATER SCHEME water microbiology examinations
Sample schedule for 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027
Distribution number
Sample numbers
Dispatch date
Date results due by
Examinations and enumerations required
All counts are per 100mL
MY027 MY027A
MY027B
13/04/2026 19/06/2026 Endoscope rinse water
MY028 MY028A
MY028B
01/06/2026 07/08/2026 Heater cooler water
MY029 MY029A
MY029B
05/10/2026 11/12/2026 Endoscope rinse water
MY030 MY030A
MY030B
04/01/2027 12/03/2027 Heater cooler water
FEPTU483.21 Page 12 of 13
HOSPITAL TAP WATER SCHEME water microbiology examinations
Sample schedule for 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027
DIALYSIS WATER SCHEME water microbiology examinations
Sample schedule for 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027
HYDROTHERAPY POOL WATERS – Please select distributions S129 and/or S132 from Recreational and Surface Water Scheme (see page 8)
Distribution number
Sample numbers
Dispatch date
Date results due by
Examinations and enumerations required
All counts are per 100mL
Up to three sets of results can be reported
HTW36 HTW36A
HTW36B
01/06/2026 26/06/2026 Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Selected distribution:
Mycobacterium spp. (HTW37 optional) *
*For this examination only result due by
11/12/2026
HTW37 HTW37A
HTW37B
05/10/2026 30/10/2026
HTW38 HTW38A
HTW38B
15/02/2027 12/03/2027
Distribution number
Sample numbers
Dispatch date
Date results due by
Examinations and enumerations required
All counts are per mL
Up to three sets of results can be reported
DW39 DW39A
DW39B
01/06/2026 26/06/2026
Total viable counts (17ºC - 23ºC for 7 days) DW40 DW40A
DW40B
05/10/2026 30/10/2026
DW41 DW41A
DW41B
15/02/2027 12/03/2027
FEPTU483.21 Page 13 of 13
PRICE LIST: 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027 UKHSA External Quality Assessment - Proficiency Testing for Microbiology
Number of distributions in
full scheme
Number of samples in each
distribution
Price for full
scheme
Price per distribution (if not registering for the full
scheme)
£ £
Food microbiology schemes Standard six two 1,996 343 European Food Microbiology Legislation four three 1,339 345 Shellfish three two 1,004 345 Non Pathogen three two 780 268 Non-Pathogen PYM option three two 253 87 Pathogenic Vibrio three two 1,125 380 Staphylococcus aureus Enterotoxin Two two 554 277 Environmental Swab four two 695 179 Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli two two 430 215
Norovirus and Hepatitis A Virus two two 996
498
Water microbiology schemes Legionella Isolation four two 834 215 Legionella Molecular two two 430 215 Recreational and Surface Water six two 1,472 253 Drinking Water six two 1,711 294 Bottled and Mineral Water three two 730 251
t
Wastewater two two 400 200
Endoscope Rinse Water three two 288 99 Dialysis Water three two 288 99 Hospital Tap Water three two 279 96
Mycobacterium spp. in Water four two 489 126
Dispatch charges: An additional charge will be made for dispatch to laboratories outside the United Kingdom. The charge will be kept to a minimum and does not include local airport tax charges which participants must arrange and cover
Additional samples Additional samples are available with every distribution for £58 per sample
Repeat samples: Repeat samples are free of charge - available only after a distribution has closed
Discount: An invoice value of £4,800 (excluding VAT) will be entitled to a 5% discount The above prices do not include VAT (Value Added Tax) If your laboratory does not participant in all distributions for a scheme the assessment of laboratory performance over time may be compromised For more information see our website: www.feptu.org.uk
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On-line web instructions for re-registration of PT schemes
UK Health Security Agency has an electronic system for on-line reporting of external quality
assessment (EQA) results for the food and water microbiology proficiency testing (PT)
schemes. The system also integrates a wide range of functions including registration details,
data analysis and provision of distribution reports.
The following instructions will help to guide you through the system, from opening the
website and logging-in, to submitting your re-registration request. Please contact
[email protected] if you experience any difficulties.
1.0 Opening the online results reporting service and logging-in
You will need your Laboratory registration details Lab number, Identity and Password which
are important for your participation and for accessing the on-line system. Contact us if you
have lost your log-in details, we will send you the details immediately (after making a security
check). For more information on the schemes visit our new website: Scheme information.
In January 2025, you will be sent an email notifying you that the on-line system is open. That
message will have ‘UKHSA Food and Water Microbiology EQA Distributions: 1 April
2026 to 31 March 2027’ in the subject field and will include a link to the website for
registering your scheme participation. Either use the link in the message or go to the
website: www.phe-eqa.org.uk/
2
Once you have clicked on the link you will see the following screen:
Enter your ‘Lab Number’, your ‘Identity’ and ‘Password’. You can navigate through the
boxes using the tab key.
Select the ‘Log in’ button or press ‘enter’ on your keyboard.
2.0 Online re-registration for EQA schemes
Click on the ‘Re-registration’ tab, in the next screen two different tabs are shown:
‘Membership’ and ‘Contacts’ tabs. The dark turquoise shaded tab indicates the tab you are
using. In the ‘Membership’ tab, the schemes and the distributions available that can be
subscribed to are shown (2.1). In the ‘Contacts’ tab, your current details are shown these
can be amended if necessary (2.2).
Note: All the mandatory details are marked as ‘*’ and you will need to provide these details
before you can submit the form.
3
2.1 Entering membership details
Select the ‘Membership’ tab.
Select the hyperlink to ‘terms and conditions’, read the terms and conditions of participation.
If you agree with them tick the check box. This is a mandatory requirement of participation.
Enter your ‘Order Number’ in the blank text box area. If your organisation does not generate
an order number for goods or services purchased then enter your name as the nominated
individual completing the form.
If you are located in an EU country, check your VAT number in the text box shown on the
screen and amend them if necessary.
Enter your name in the ‘Online Registration Completed By’ text box.
The food and water schemes are listed, please see example for a food, water and PYM
schemes from previous year as an example below (note to refer to FEPTU483 for the latest
information). Columns show the ‘Scheme’ (by scheme name) ‘Distribution’ (by distribution
4
number), ‘Select’ (you must tick the check box to order the distribution) and the ‘Dispatch
date’ (for each distribution). The final column to the right of the screen allows you to request
additional sets of samples in addition to the routine set (please note additional samples are
charged for). Leave the box as ‘0’ if you do not require any additional sets of samples.
Food schemes:
Water Schemes:
To note the following information: You cannot select both Non-Pathogen distributions and the corresponding PYM options. They are both the same samples – you are registering for fewer tests with the PYM option.
If you do select the same distributions for Non-Pathogen and the PYM option then a prompt
box will appear, as shown below:
1. Shiga Toxin Escherichia coli Scheme distributions are for detection of shiga toxin-
producing Escherichia coli by molecular methods only.
5
2. Legionella Molecular Scheme distributions are for detection and quantification of
Legionella spp. by molecular methods only.
3. Norovirus and Hepatitis A Virus Scheme distributions are for detection of Norovirus GI
and GII and Hepatitis A Virus by molecular methods only.
4. For hydrotherapy pool waters please select distributions S129 and or S132 from
Recreational and Surface Water Scheme.
2.2 Entering your contact details Select the ‘Contact’ tab as shown below:
Check the contact details on screen and amend them if necessary.
Please provide your second email address in the additional email address text area.
If the ‘Finance Contact / Invoice Address’ details are same as the main address please tick
the check box ‘same as main address’
If your ‘Finance Contact / Invoice Address’ is different please enter those details as shown in
the screen below. Also, please contact [email protected] if your ‘Finance Contact /
Invoice Address’ has changed.
6
All the mandatory details are marked as ‘*’ and you will need to provide those details before
you submit the form. You will not be able to submit the form if any of the mandatory fields
have been left blank.
Notes:
5. If you have not ticked the check box to confirm that you agree to the Terms and Conditions, a prompt box will appear as shown below:
2.2 Submitting your online re-registration
Once you are ready to send us your re-registration details select the ‘Submit’ button.
7
A prompt box will appear to remind you to check the data you provided and to ‘submit’.
Select ‘OK’ to submit.
A prompt box will appear to confirm your re-registration has been submitted.
After your re-registration details have been submitted the ‘Re-registration’ button will no
longer appear on the screen.
Select ‘Logout’ to close your account.
An email detailing your participation will be sent after the re-registration process has been
closed. This will usually be in March 2026. You will also be notified when your certificate
of participation has been uploaded to the website. If any amendments are required to your
participation or the information shown in the email is incorrect contact the office on