Asda carries out own tests to kill off food poisoning bug

Asda say they are carrying out independent tests to reduce the amount of the food poisoning bug campylobacter in their chickens.

It comes after more than 80% of samples tested positive for the bug, making it the worst performing supermarket in research done by the Food Standards Agency.

An Asda spokeswoman said: "We continue to take Campylobacter very seriously and are encouraged by our own most recent test data which confirms we’re making good progress to reaching the FSA’s target.

"We’re already seeing significant results from some of these trials including an impressive 80% reduction on both the neck and breast skin following the implementation of a steam process – SonoSteam.

"Along with other retailers and our suppliers we remain committed to working collaboratively to finding a robust solution to this problem that can be rolled across our entire whole bird range.

"In the meantime we continue to offer shoppers helpful advice on how to safely prepare and cook chicken – which will kill off any trace of the bug."