Surveillance programme for the control of foodborne infections and intoxications in Europe: the first 6 years' experience in Scotland, 1980-85.

In 1979 WHO recommended the establishment of a surveillance programme in Europe for foodborne infections and intoxications that incorporated an early warning system for incidents affecting more than one country as well as a routine reporting system to record details of outbreaks of foodborne disease. The Early Warning System was introduced in Scotland in July 1979 and the Routine Reporting System in January 1980. By the end of 1985, 23 European countries were participating in the programme.The introduction of the surveillance programme in Scotland permitted the formation of a standard national reporting system for foodborne infections and intoxications. During the 6 years from 1980 to 1985, the major features of the programme in Scotland have been the introduction of compulsory pasteurization of cows' milk, in 1983, with the consequent eradication of general outbreaks of milkborne salmonellosis; the emergence of poultry meat as the major food vehicle of infections; and the development of techniques for costing foodborne disease outbreaks.