Vero-Cytotoxigenic Escherichia coli O157 in Pasteurized Milk Containers at the Point of Retail: A Qualitative Approach to Exposure Assessment

Dairies within the United Kingdom are classified into two groups, namely, off-farm and on-farm dairies (the latter often being small scale). We propose a model for the probability of milk sold as pasteurized reaching the point of retail contaminated with Vero-cytotoxigenic Escherichia coli (VTEC) O157 from each of these two pathways. We evaluate qualitatively the exposures inherent in each, and compare and contrast the two situations. The model framework is generic, in that it can in principle be used, with the relevant data modifications, to provide a qualitative assessment of the likely exposure from milk sold as pasteurized to any potentially milk-borne pathogenic organism. Furthermore, the methodological approaches presented are widely applicable in the microbial risk assessment field. The specific example presented will be of particular interest to the UK dairy and public health communities: we conclude that the exposure potential per liter consumed from milk processed in off-farm dairies is negligible, whereas the exposure potential per liter consumed from milk processed on-farm is low, but not sufficiently small to be regarded as negligible. We also identify areas of data sparsity, which need to be addressed for quantitative risk assessment to proceed, and highlight the critical points in the pasteurized milk production chain, which, in the event of a breakdown, have the potential to increase the risk to the consumer.     

Long range planning and regional policy 1 Britain— a European pioneer

What is the significance of “regional policy” in Europe today? It is certainly a political force. It was a major factor in the resignation of General de Gaulle last year and a European Conference of Ministers of Regional Planning is being convened to consider it this year. But as a subject it is not always easy to grasp. It seems to touch on many things-environment, employment, democratic participation and long range planning. Its actual shape varies from country to country. At the same time, many Europeans, including the Commission of the European Communities, are convinced that there are common European problems that urgently require a European regional policy to solve them. This article, which will be in four parts, begins by examining the experience of regional policy in the UK, France, Italy, Germany and the European Communities. Its last part will discuss the role of long range planning in achieving an effective regional policy at European level. The author is carrying out research into regional policies in the European Communities and the United Kingdom with financial support from the Social Science Research Council.