Tender

Effectiveness of interventions taken by UK slaughterhouses and cutting plants in response to unsatisfactory process hygiene criteria (PHC) results

FOOD STANDARDS AGENCY

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Tender

18 May 2026 at 07:19

Summary of the contracting process

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is initiating an open procurement process for a study on the "Effectiveness of interventions taken by UK slaughterhouses and cutting plants in response to unsatisfactory process hygiene criteria (PHC) results". This project, situated in the United Kingdom specifically covering England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, falls under the services category of research and development, with additional implications in social and market research services. The tender stage is currently active with an end date for submissions set for 29th June 2026. Interested parties must submit proposals through the health-family single e-Commercial System by this deadline. The tender process is open and below threshold with no geographical restrictions, inviting wide participation.

This tender represents a strategic opportunity for businesses specialising in research and consultancy within the food safety and compliance sectors. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and voluntary, community, and social enterprises (VCSEs) are particularly encouraged to apply, as the project explicitly mentions suitability for these types of organisations. The budget for the project ranges up to £120,000 GBP gross, offering significant potential revenue for successful bidders. The project's requirement for capturing qualitative and quantitative data, as well as conducting critical reviews, makes it appealing to research firms with expertise in food safety, process improvement, and regulatory compliance. Businesses can leverage this opportunity to establish or reinforce their presence within the public sector by contributing to improving health standards and consumer safety. The contract, with its structured phases and potential for renewal, provides a stable engagement over an 18-month term with an option for a 6-month extension.

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Notice Title

Effectiveness of interventions taken by UK slaughterhouses and cutting plants in response to unsatisfactory process hygiene criteria (PHC) results

Notice Description

FSA would like to commission a study to assess the effectiveness of interventions typically carried out by red meat and poultry slaughterhouses and cutting/processing plants within England, Wales and Northern Ireland following unsatisfactory PHC findings. The evidence generated will be used to inform strategic risk assessments on the relative risk to consumers of meat from Size 5 slaughterhouses and cutting plants that processes equal or less than 2 metric tonnes of meat per week which are currently exempt from sampling, when compared to those slaughterhouses and cutting plants which do currently sample, and support the FSA in improving regulatory compliance. In addition, the published results of this survey may be used by FBOs to support decision-making on interventions following unsatisfactory PHC findings. The objective of the microbiological food safety research themes is to provide robust information on the presence, growth, survival and elimination of pathogenic microorganisms throughout the food chain; the extent, distribution, causes, risks and cost of foodborne disease will also be considered where appropriate. Phase 1. Design and carry out interviews of slaughterhouse and cutting plant stakeholders to determine which interventions are carried out by meat processing establishments in response to unsatisfactory PHC results. Phase 2. A critical literature review of the effectiveness of interventions identified in Phase 1 in correcting unsatisfactory PHC results. The final output of the project will be a technical report consisting of anonymised findings from the survey of slaughterhouse and cutting plant stakeholders (Phase 1) and the critical review of efficacy for each identified intervention (Phase 2).

Lot Information

Lot 1

Renewal: 18 months, with a break clause at conclusion of Phase 1. (September 2026 to March 2028). This project will consist of two phases. Progression to Phase 2 will not be automatic and will be subject to review and approval of Phase 1 outputs, and confirmation that Phase 2 remains within scope. It is expected that both Phase 1 and Phase 2 will be completed within 18 months. The Contract will contain an optional 6-month extension.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-069aa3
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/045184-2026
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK4 - Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Below threshold - open competition
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

73 - Research and development services and related consultancy services

79 - Business services: law, marketing, consulting, recruitment, printing and security


CPV Codes

73000000 - Research and development services and related consultancy services

79310000 - Market research services

79315000 - Social research services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£100,000 £100K-£500K
Lots Value
£100,000 £100K-£500K
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
18 May 20262 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
29 Jun 20264 weeks to go
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
31 Aug 2026 - 31 Mar 2028 1-2 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Active
Lots Status
Active
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
FOOD STANDARDS AGENCY
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
YORK
Postcode
YO1 7PR
Post Town
York
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLE Yorkshire and The Humber
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLE2 North Yorkshire
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLE21 York
Delivery Location
Not specified

Local Authority
York
Electoral Ward
Guildhall
Westminster Constituency
York Central

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

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The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts.

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