An Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) investigation has resulted in the sentencing of Mr Jeremy Saunders of Orchard Organic Farm, Newton Abbot, for forging salmonella test results on laying flocks. Exeter Crown Court dealt with the case on Friday 10 October.
APHA confirmed that Mr Saunders pleaded guilty to one count of perverting the course of justice. The charge related to forged salmonella test results submitted after an audit by APHA’s Egg Marketing Team under the UK National Control Programme for Salmonella.
The court imposed a four-month custodial sentence, suspended for 12 months. Mr Saunders must complete 180 hours of unpaid work and pay costs and a victim surcharge totalling £387.
Aled Edwards, Head of England Field Delivery at APHA, said falsified results present an unacceptable public health risk and that the integrity of the National Control Programme will be enforced. He said the outcome should act as a clear deterrent.
The UK National Control Programme for Salmonella is designed to detect salmonella in egg-laying flocks and, where detected, restrict the use of eggs to protect consumers. APHA conducts regular audits across all laying flocks within scope to check farms are meeting their legal obligations.
For producers and packers, the case highlights the consequences of misrepresentation during audits. Alongside regulatory restrictions on eggs, submitting forged documentation can lead to prosecution for perverting the course of justice, as in this case.
APHA emphasises that accurate testing is a requirement of the egg supply chain and that attempts to mislead inspectors will prompt firm enforcement action. The agency’s message is that compliance with testing and audit obligations is non-negotiable.
Concerns about compliance in the egg or wider poultry sector can be reported to APHA on 03000 200 301 or via customeradvice@apha.gov.uk. Information from industry and the public supports the effectiveness of the National Control Programme.