E.coli O157: Health Alert - avoiding ill health at open farms

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is issuing this alert to farmers in advance of the autumn half-term break for schools in England and Wales.

Following recent outbreaks of E.coli O157 linked to open farms in Devon, North Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire and Surrey, this alert reminds farmers about the sensible and practical steps they need to take to reduce the risk of ill health to visitors from E.coli O157.

Before farmers open their farm to visitors they should ensure that they follow the long-standing guidance laid down in Agriculture Information Sheet No.23(rev) "Avoiding ill health at open farms - Advice to farmers (with teachers' supplement)" which can be downloaded from the HSE web site at AIS 23 (rev), and is also available in Welsh AIS 23.

The guidance explains the law, and gives advice on assessing the risk arising from E.coli O157 as well as the simple steps farmers can take. These include deciding where visitors should be able to pet animals; ensuring visitors must pass by washing facilities to reach eating areas; adequate washing facilities with running water, liquid soap and disposal paper or roller towels are available in the right places; that enough time is allowed during the visit to ensure all visitors, especially children, wash their hands; and that information and signs reminding visitors to follow good hygiene practices are in place.

Farmers who have existing arrangements to accept open farm visits are advised to take this opportunity to review the practical steps they have taken to meet the standards laid down in the guidance.

Rationale, aims and objectives for visits to farms