E. Coli Benchmarking Database Launched For Fresh Produce Industry

The Chilled Food Association (CFA) has launched what it says is the UK’s  first industry-wide E. coli intelligence database for fresh produce and irrigation water to give growers and produce users access to benchmarked microbiological data designed to strengthen food safety assurance and risk management.

The database combines more than 100,000 datapoints collected since 2024 from irrigation water used on Red Tractor Category 1 crops, together with pre- and post-wash produce testing. 

According to a news release from the CFA, it is the largest UK dataset of its kind and focuses on generic E. coli as an indicator of hygiene standards and irrigation water quality.

By enabling businesses to compare their own testing results with anonymised industry-wide data, the initiative aims to provide a stronger evidence base for assessing hygiene controls, supporting HACCP verification and due diligence, and informing discussions with retailers, auditors, and regulators.

The CFA believes the database will also help businesses to identify emerging trends and potential risks earlier, leading to the reduced likelihood of food safety incidents, product withdrawals, and reputational damage.

“The industry has lacked a robust way to benchmark produce hygiene and irrigation water quality at a national level,” pointed out CFA Director General Karin Goodburn. 

“This database changes that. For the first time, growers and produce users can compare their own performance against independent industry-wide evidence and demonstrate that their controls are working.”

CFA members already have access to the system, while non-members can participate through a subscription model.

The association emphasises that participating businesses retain full confidentiality. 

Individual company data is not shared and remains visible only to the contributing business. 

The CFA said benchmarking information is generated only once sufficient data has been submitted to provide meaningful comparisons.

Where results fall outside expected norms, businesses remain responsible for determining any appropriate response, although the CFA requests confirmation that suitable follow-up actions have been taken.

The database is intended to provide independent evidence of the effectiveness of hygiene controls in order to help businesses demonstrate compliance to customers, auditors, and regulators. 

Alongside this are benchmarking insights to identify strengths and areas for improvement, stronger HACCP support, verification and due diligence requirements, and early identification of trends to reduce the risk of incidents, withdrawals, or reputational damage.

The system also aims to help enhance business credibility among retailers and buyers for those who demonstrate leadership in produce safety.

To maintain confidence in the reliability of the information, the dataset will be independently audited each year to verify data quality, consistency, and accurate categorisation.

Growers and produce users interested in participating or accessing the E. coli intelligence database can contact the CFA for further information.