LEVELS of salmonella contamination in chicken on retail sale in the UK have declined sharply but another contamination is at high levels.

The survey conducted by the Food Standards Agency found contamination levels at an average of 5.8pc across the UK. Previous surveys had suggested that in 1994 around 40pc of chickens on retail sale in the UK were contaminated by salmonella.

However, the FSA's survey also indicated that levels of campylobacter contamination remain high in retail chickens. Animal Health Minister Elliot Morley said further work and research is clearly required to find better ways of reducing this problem, and DEFRA is working closely with industry and the FSA to achieve this.

Updated: 09:26 Thursday, August 23, 2001