E.coli O157 Control of Cross Contamination Guidance

This guidance is formatted in three columns:

• Column 1 lays down the legal requirements contained in Regulation (EC)
No 852/2004 with which food businesses must comply.

• Column 2 sets out recommended means by which food businesses may
comply with the regulations in order to control cross-contamination with E.
coli O157. Where possible, it provides different options for compliance,
the suitability of which will be dependent on the activities and particular
circumstances relating to each business. It is for the business to determine
the controls that are appropriate given their activities and for the relevant
local authority to assess the suitability of the controls. Whilst businesses
are advised to follow this guide to compliance, it is open to a business to
demonstrate to their local authority that it can achieve the objectives of the
regulations in other ways.

• Column 3 provides guidance on good practice within food businesses.