Food, Water and Environmental Microbiology Services

The Food, Water and Environmental (FW&E) laboratories offer specialist microbiology services.

Based in 6 sites across the country the laboratories are geographically well placed to work closely with local authorities and port health authorities to protect the public from health threats posed by food, water and the environment.

FW&E laboratories are equipped to carry out a range of specialist microbiological tests on food, water and environmental samples. This work provides essential support in, for example, the investigation of outbreaks of food poisoning or water borne incidents such as Legionnaires' disease. Specialist testing can also be used to ensure the microbiological quality of food and water samples and to check on a regular basis that they are safe for human consumption.

In England the responsibility for the safety of food and water used for human consumption is shared by a number of different partners including the Health Protection Agency, the Food Standards Agency, local authorities and port health authorities.

The laboratories also provide specialist services for the NHS, particularly for the testing of water. All laboratories are accredited through the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) and have Official Control status. 

Services provided by FW&E laboratories

• Testing: A wide range of accredited specialist microbiology tests on food, dairy, water and environmental samples. 
• Advice: Expert advice concerning the threat to health from pathogens found in food, water and dairy products and how these can be tested for and controlled. 
• Training: Training of staff from external partner organisations such as local authorities and port health authorities.
• Evidence: Results from tests and interpretation are used as evidence for prosecutions in food poisoning outbreaks.
• Information: Results from public health investigations and local and national surveys provide the agency with a wider picture of changes which may affect public health such as effects of new food practices and effects of legislation.
• Research and development: Our laboratories are at the forefront of research and development in food, water and environmental microbiological testing. These include the development and application of new laboratory techniques to detect additional pathogens, to produce more rapid results and provide more informative analysis.
   

National FW&E studies and reports

The Health Protection Agency works with partners, including local authorities and the Food Standards Agency to identify potential public health issues in foods and coordinate food sampling activities. Local, regional and national reports and guidance is produced to focus public health actions and reduce the risk of gastro-intestinal and other food and water borne infections.

• The HPA Food, Water and Environmental leaflet (PDF, 2.5 MB)
  The Food, Water and Environmental(FW&E) Microbiology Services are specialist microbiology laboratories managed by the Health Protection Agency.
  Added/updated: 19 October 2011