---
title: "Microbiological Survey of Minced Beef on Retail Sale in Scotland"
ocid: "ocds-r6ebe6-0000548679"
canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-r6ebe6-0000548679"
markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-r6ebe6-0000548679.md"
json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-r6ebe6-0000548679.json"
source: "Public Contracts Scotland"
current_stage: "Award"
buyer: "FOOD STANDARDS SCOTLAND (FSS)"
published: "2019-01-17"
---

# Microbiological Survey of Minced Beef on Retail Sale in Scotland

Buyer: FOOD STANDARDS SCOTLAND (FSS)  
Current stage: Award  
OCID: ocds-r6ebe6-0000548679

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## Summary

The public procurement process, led by Food Standards Scotland (FSS), is focused on a tender titled "Microbiological Survey of Minced Beef on Retail Sale in Scotland." This initiative falls within the services sector and aims to assess microbiological risks associated with minced beef sold in Scotland. The procurement is currently in the Award stage, with the contract value set at £182,761. Significant dates include the contract signing on 24 September 2018, and the tender period which ended on 13 August 2018. The project is intended to take place across various geographical locations within Scotland.

This tender presents significant opportunities for businesses engaged in food safety testing, microbiology, and related analytical services. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with expertise in microbiological analysis and accreditation under ISO standards will find this contract particularly relevant. Furthermore, companies that specialise in public health research and food safety compliance may greatly benefit from engaging in this competitive procurement process.

## Notice

The primary objective of this project is to generate baseline data on the significant microbiological pathogens and hygiene indicator organisms present in beef mince on retail sale to the consumer in Scotland. A secondary objective is to analyse any patterns of variation (e.g. seasonal or geographical) to identify any risk factors associated with microbial contamination. Thirdly, the presence and significance of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) should be determined in any pathogens and a subset of 100 isolates of generic E. coli found. This will be done by undertaking a comprehensive survey of microbiological pathogens and hygiene indicator organisms in beef mince at retail across a range of geographic locations in Scotland over the course of one year. This should include surveying different premises (e.g. butchers, supermarkets), geographical locations and product ranges (e.g. value, premium) in order to represent what Scottish consumers are currently purchasing.

### Lot Information

Lot 1

The aim of this project is to address the key evidence gap in relation to the microbiological risk of Scottish beef mince at retail level to contribute to the delivery of FSS's strategy aimed at reducing the incidence of foodborne illness in Scotland. To assist in achieving this aim, the Contractor shall; a Carry out sampling of fresh minced beef on retail sale over a one year period across a range of geographical locations in Scotland. Sampling should be designed so that it is representative of what Scottish consumers are buying and eating. b Analyse the samples for the following foodborne pathogens and hygiene indicator organisms: i. STEC (including E. coli O157 and non-O157s) ii. Campylobacter iii. Salmonella iv. Generic E. coli v. Anaerobic colony counts (ACCs) c. Samples that are found to contain pathogenic microorganisms (campylobacter, salmonella and STEC) will be sequenced by whole genome sequencing (WGS). d. All pathogens analysed by WGS will be screened for AMR genes. e. 100 generic E. coli isolated and all the STEC, campylobacter and salmonella isolates will also be tested for antimicrobial resistance by disk diffusion (or an alternative appropriate method). f. Sample results will be analysed statistically to determine the prevalence and levels of AMR for each of the organisms tested. The Contractor is required to analyse any patterns in the variation of microorganisms present (e.g. seasonal or regional) or any indications of risk factors that influence the microbiological quality of mince on retail sale in Scotland. This will be achieved by ensuring sampling is undertaken over a full 12 month period and across a range of product ranges and geographical locations in Scotland. The result of this analysis will also be included within the full report.. Economic operators may be excluded from this competition if they are in any of the situations referred to in regulation 58 of the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015

## Key Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication source | Public Contracts Scotland |
| Latest notice | https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=JAN342473 |
| Notice type | OJEU - F3 - Contract Award Notice |
| Procurement type | Standard |
| Procurement category | Services |
| Procurement method | Open |
| Procurement method details | Open procedure |
| Tender suitability | Not specified |
| Awardee scale | SME |
| All stages | Tender, Award |

## Dates

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication date | 17 Jan 2019 |
| Submission deadline | 13 Aug 2018 |
| Future notice date | Not specified |
| Award date | 24 Sep 2018 |
| Contract period | Not specified |
| Recurrence | Not specified |

## Values

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender value | £170,000 |
| Lots value | £170,000 |
| Awards value | Not specified |
| Contracts value | £182,761 |

## Status

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender status | Complete |
| Lots status | Complete |
| Awards status | Not specified |
| Contracts status | Active |

## Buyer

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Main buyer | FOOD STANDARDS SCOTLAND (FSS) |
| Locality | ABERDEEN |
| Post town | Aberdeen |
| Postcode | AB11 5RL |
| Country | Scotland |
| ITL 1 | TLM Scotland |
| ITL 2 | TLM5 North Eastern Scotland |
| ITL 3 | TLM50 Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire |
| Local authority | Aberdeen City |
| Electoral ward | Torry/Ferryhill |
| Westminster constituency | Aberdeen South |
| Delivery location | TLM50 Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire |

## Supplier

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Number of suppliers | 1 |
| Supplier names | SAC COMMERCIAL |

## CPV Codes

### Divisions

- 73 - Research and development services and related consultancy services

### Codes

- 73110000 - Research services

## Release History

- 17 Jan 2019 at 00:00 - Award - OJEU - F3 - Contract Award Notice - https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=JAN342473
- 12 Oct 2018 at 00:00 - Award - OJEU - F3 - Contract Award Notice - https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=OCT334195
- 3 Jul 2018 at 00:00 - Tender - OJEU - F2 - Contract Notice - https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=JUL324337

## Documents

- https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/NoticeDownload/DownloadDocument.aspx?id=JUL324337&idx=1
  5th July 2018 - Invitation to Tender
- https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/NoticeDownload/DownloadDocument.aspx?id=JUL324337&idx=2
  5th July 2018 - European Single Procurement Document (ESPD)
- https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/NoticeDownload/DownloadDocument.aspx?id=JUL324337&idx=3
  5th July 2018 - Commercial/Pricing Template
- https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=JUL324337
  Microbiological Survey of Minced Beef on Retail Sale in Scotland - The primary objective of this project is to generate baseline data on the significant microbiological pathogens and hygiene indicator organisms present in beef mince on retail sale to the consumer in Scotland. A secondary objective is to analyse any patterns of variation (e.g. seasonal or geographical) to identify any risk factors associated with microbial contamination. Thirdly, the presence and significance of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) should be determined in any pathogens and a subset of 100 isolates of generic E. coli found. This will be done by undertaking a comprehensive survey of microbiological pathogens and hygiene indicator organisms in beef mince at retail across a range of geographic locations in Scotland over the course of one year. This should include surveying different premises (e.g. butchers, supermarkets), geographical locations and product ranges (e.g. value, premium) in order to represent what Scottish consumers are currently purchasing.
- https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=OCT334195
  Microbiological Survey of Minced Beef on Retail Sale in Scotland - The primary objective of this project is to generate baseline data on the significant microbiological pathogens and hygiene indicator organisms present in beef mince on retail sale to the consumer in Scotland. A secondary objective is to analyse any patterns of variation (e.g. seasonal or geographical) to identify any risk factors associated with microbial contamination. Thirdly, the presence and significance of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) should be determined in any pathogens and a subset of 100 isolates of generic E. coli found. This will be done by undertaking a comprehensive survey of microbiological pathogens and hygiene indicator organisms in beef mince at retail across a range of geographic locations in Scotland over the course of one year. This should include surveying different premises (e.g. butchers, supermarkets), geographical locations and product ranges (e.g. value, premium) in order to represent what Scottish consumers are currently purchasing.
- https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=JAN342473
  Microbiological Survey of Minced Beef on Retail Sale in Scotland - The primary objective of this project is to generate baseline data on the significant microbiological pathogens and hygiene indicator organisms present in beef mince on retail sale to the consumer in Scotland. A secondary objective is to analyse any patterns of variation (e.g. seasonal or geographical) to identify any risk factors associated with microbial contamination. Thirdly, the presence and significance of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) should be determined in any pathogens and a subset of 100 isolates of generic E. coli found. This will be done by undertaking a comprehensive survey of microbiological pathogens and hygiene indicator organisms in beef mince at retail across a range of geographic locations in Scotland over the course of one year. This should include surveying different premises (e.g. butchers, supermarkets), geographical locations and product ranges (e.g. value, premium) in order to represent what Scottish consumers are currently purchasing.

## Notice URLs

- http://
- http://www.foodstandards.gov.scot
- http://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk
- https://api.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/v1/Notice?id=ocds-r6ebe6-0000548679

## Provenance

This Markdown file is an alternate public rendering of the D3 Tenders contract record. The canonical page is https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-r6ebe6-0000548679. The underlying structured data is available as OCDS JSON at https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-r6ebe6-0000548679.json.