The Purpose of the Independent Investigation

In August and September 2009 an outbreak of Escherichia coli O157 led to severe illness in a number of visitors to Godstone Farm in Surrey. The Health Protection Agency established an independent investigation of the outbreak, the factors that contributed to it and its subsequent handling. This was announced on 15 September 2009.

The purpose of the investigation was to make recommendations to reduce the risk of those who visit Open Farms contracting E. coli O157 and to improve the health protection response to future outbreaks of E. coli O157. In the context of the investigation, an 'Open' Farm is defined as one that invites members of the public to visit and facilitates direct contact with the animals.