Project Reference No.: 08-2013
RESEARCH TENDER CALL
TENDER INFORMATION DOCUMENT
Project Reference No.: 08-2013
Project Title: “Assessment of antibiotic resistant Escherichia coli in meat production
systems on the island of Ireland”.
1.
Objective/Knowledge Gap
Aims: The project seeks to assess the pathogenic potential of antibiotic resistant
Escherichia coli (AREC), particularly those producing Extended Spectrum β Lactamase
(ESBL), in foods derived from animal production systems and to define the potential
risks posed by these organisms to the consumer on the island of Ireland (IoI).
Objectives:

To determine the prevalence of AREC, particularly ESBL-producing organisms, from
representative fresh raw food samples derived from beef (n=200), chicken (n=200)
and pork (n=200) production systems on the island of Ireland and collected at retail
level.

To characterise phenotypically and genotypically AREC isolates arising and
determine their pathogenic potential.

To determine the risk to consumers on the island of Ireland presented by the ESBLproducing bacteria in the food chain.

Propose methods of control to limit exposure by consumers to ESBL-producing
bacteria.
2.
Background
There is increasing concern at the spread of antibiotic resistant E. coli (AREC) in
poultry, beef, pork and other animal-based production systems. Such organisms can
also carry pathogenicity genes that may cause serious illness in people. This has been
particularly the case with the emergence of Extended Spectrum β Lactamase (ESBL)producing bacteria becoming a recent issue in the analysis of raw chicken for
Campylobacter. Infections in animals can pass to humans via contaminated meat or
through other contact with infected animals – which may or may not display any
symptoms themselves. The project seeks to assess the pathogenic potential of AREC in
foods derived from animal production systems and define the potential risks posed by
Page 1 of 5
Project Reference No.: 08-2013
these organisms to the consumer.
3.
Approach
The project will involve analysing representative fresh raw food samples derived from
beef (n=200), chicken (n=200) and pork (n=200) production systems on the island of
Ireland to test for antibiotic resistant Escherichia coli, particularly those producing
ESBL. Isolates will be collected and phenotypically and genotypically characterised,
using appropriate methods, to determine the basis of antibiotic resistance and to
determine the pathogenic potential of these organisms. Additionally, information on the
characteristics of production systems from which these isolates originated will be
recorded, as possible.
Data from this survey will be analysed to determine any associations between food
production systems, antibiotic resistance characteristics and pathogenic potential. This
will allow the risk to consumers on the island of Ireland presented by the emerging
threat of ESBL-producing and other organisms in the food chain to be determined and
possible methods of control to be proposed.
4.
Technical Specification
(a) Literature review
(b) Sample collection
(c) Sample analyses
(d) Data analysis
(e) Data handling and reporting
(f) Quality assurance
(a) Literature review
A full and thorough review of the literature around AREC in the food chain, particularly
ESBL-producing E. coli, should be done. It should include peer reviewed publications
and also a full search of the grey literature including government and other organisation
reports, and conference proceedings etc.
Page 2 of 5
Project Reference No.: 08-2013
(b) Sample collection

Samples of fresh raw beef (n=200), chicken (n=200) and pork (n=200) will be
collected at retail level from major population centres according to a representative
sampling plan that should be specified and that provides for 50% of the samples
being collected in Northern Ireland and 50% in the Republic of Ireland. All point of
sale and packaging information (where appropriate) should be recorded together
with details of the date and location of purchase. Samples should be individually
collected and packaged in a fashion that prevents contamination and transported to
the laboratory in a temperature controlled environment, where upon analyses should
commence within 24hours of collection.

The sampling methodology and sampling plan must be approved by safefood in
advance of the survey.
(c) Sample analysis
Food samples should be analysed using appropriate approaches that enable the isolation
of AREC, particularly focusing on ESBL-producing E. coli. Phenotypic and Genotypic
analysis of resulting isolates should be performed using specified methods and the
pathogenic
potential
of
these
isolates
determined
using
appropriate
specified
methodologies.

A detailed experimental plan describing the methodologies that will be followed must
be approved by safefood in advance of the survey.
(d) Data analyses
All data gathered must be analysed using appropriate statistical methods to enable the
identification of any associations between food production systems, the presence of
antibiotic resistance organisms and their pathogenic potential. The analyses performed
should elucidate the risk to consumers on the island of Ireland presented by the
emerging threat of ESBL-producing and other antibiotic resistant E. coli in the food chain
and possible methods of control.
Page 3 of 5
Project Reference No.: 08-2013
(e) Data handling and reporting
1. The contractor will submit to safefood, on a six monthly basis, a summary report
containing details of the progress for each deliverable of the project.
2. Interim reports (electronic and hardcopy) containing a summary of the findings to
date will be submitted to safefood at six monthly intervals of the research.
3. The contractor is responsible for collating all results and a final report will be
submitted to safefood on completion of the study.
4. All forms, documentation and electronic files must be retained by the contractor until
further notice from safefood in case of issues arising after the completion of the
research.
(f) Quality assurance

The contractor must ensure a high level of accuracy in data entry, checking and
backup and analytical competence and should provide an outline of how data
produced will be validated, analysed and interpreted.

safefood may visit the contractors during the course of the research to assess how
the work is being carried out.

Applicants should provide details of participation in proficiency tests and interlaboratory comparison schemes for analyses relevant to this work.

Applicants should provide documentary evidence that laboratory quality assurance
and quality control measures are in place.
5. Proposed Activities/Deliverables

Literature review.

Provision of a sampling plan for the inspection of fresh raw beef (n=200), chicken
(n=200) and pork (n=200) samples at retail level on the island of Ireland.
Page 4 of 5
Project Reference No.: 08-2013

Provision of a detailed experimental plan describing the methodologies that will be
followed.

Submission of 6 monthly summary reports.

Analysis of the final dataset, collation of the results and drafting of a final report to
be submitted to safefood within the 18 month study period.
6. Evaluation of Tenders
Tender bids will be evaluated according to the quality of proposals and applicants using
the following criteria:
Quality of the proposal:

Anticipated deliverables;

Research method;

Value for money;

Potential for application;

Work plan, including the overall timeframe.
Quality of Applicants:
7.

Experience in subject area;

Existing facilities;

Quality Assurance and Quality Control measures in place.
Duration of Project
Estimated duration of the project: Total of 18 months. A detailed timescale of research
should be submitted by each applicant.
8.
Scientific Aspects
Potential applicants are encouraged to contact the Research Administration Office at
safefood for further information about this research project.
Page 5 of 5