LONDON — Turkey producers, as well as veterinarians, consumers and retailers, will be asked their opinions on how European Union legislation should be introduced to control Salmonella in turkey flocks, according to the United Kingdom’s Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (D.E.F.R.A.). The purpose of the E.U.’s National Control Programme (N.C.P.) is to reduce and control the prevalence of Salmonella Enteritidis and Salmonella Typhimurium in turkey flocks in order to protect human health.

In January 2010, the N.C.P. will become law and will require producers to meet a reduction target of positive samples, meet minimum sampling requirements to verify this and take special measures if flocks test positive to the bacteria.

Proponents hope the N.C.P. will enable the U.K. turkey-flock sector to increase its success in controlling Salmonella, and to benefit from producers throughout the E.U. by applying consistent and comparable approaches.

The consultation period will run from July 29 to Sept. 23.