Effect of probiotics on Campylobacter colonisation within the broiler gut
The contract covers a field-trial research study examining whether commercially available probiotics can reduce or delay Campylobacter colonisation in the gut of broiler flocks under routine intensive farming conditions. The buyer is the Food Standards Agency, the UK public body responsible for protecting public health and consumer interests in relation to food, and the work supports its objective of reducing foodborne disease linked to contaminated chicken meat. The supplier is expected to design and conduct a phased study in real-life commercial broiler houses, assess effects on Campylobacter levels and carcass contamination at processing, and measure impacts on mortality, growth, feed conversion efficiency, welfare and flock health. The estimated contract value is £500,000, although the duration and delivery locations are not specified; phased deliverables are expected to include break clauses allowing continuation to depend on evidence reviewed by the FSA. The critical qualification requirement is the capability to undertake innovative, controlled field research in commercial intensive broiler production settings.
Buyer: Food Standards Agency. Source: Find a Tender. Updated 19 Oct 2026.
Key facts
- Estimated value: £500k
- Bids close: 30 Nov 2026
- Location: York
- Procedure: Open procedure
- Contract period: 1 Apr 2027 to 31 Mar 2029
- Category: Research services (73110000)
From the official notice
A key component of the FSA work is to reduce the burden of foodborne disease in the UK. Campylobacter is the leading bacterial cause of foodborne disease in the UK, with chicken meat being the most common food source of exposure to this pathogen. Campylobacter is widespread in chicken farms, with 60% of UK broilers flocks carrying the pathogen at the point they are slaughtered. Interventions further down the food chain do not reliably eliminate this pathogen. Therefore, reducing Campylobacter colonisation on broiler flocks and contamination on chicken meat is a priority area for the FSA as this will contribute towards reducing human exposure and subsequent reported cases of foodborne disease. A clear evidence gap remains on whether probiotics can consistently affect Campylobacter levels in broilers, across commercial UK farms under routine production conditions, and what magnitude of log reduction is realistically achievable. To address this evidence gap, the FSA are seeking research proposals for an innovative field-trial based study carried out in real-life intensive broiler houses to assess the effectiveness of a range of probiotics on reducing or delaying Campylobacter colonisation in the gut of broiler flocks. The research should be designed to answer the following questions: • “To what extent can commercially available probiotic formulations reduce or delay Campylobacter colonisation in broiler flocks under commercial intensive housed farming conditions, and does this t...
View the official notice
Questions about this tender
When is the deadline?
Bids close on 30 Nov 2026.
What is it worth?
The estimated value is £500k.
Who can apply?
The buyer has marked it as suitable for small and medium-sized businesses.
How do I bid?
Open the official notice, register on the buyer's portal and submit your bid before the deadline.
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