Devon farmer sentenced after APHA salmonella probe

A government investigation into egg safety has ended in a sentence at Exeter Crown Court. On Friday 10 October 2025, Jeremy Saunders of Orchard Organic Farm, Newton Abbot, admitted perverting the course of justice after faking salmonella test results. He received a four‑month custodial term, suspended for 12 months, 180 hours of unpaid work, and costs and a victim surcharge totalling £387. APHA said forged results put public health at risk.

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) runs the UK National Control Programme for Salmonella in laying flocks. Farms are audited and must provide regular test results; if salmonella is detected, the use of eggs is restricted to protect consumers. APHA says it will act where individuals mislead inspectors, and welcomed the court’s decision as a clear signal.

Let’s make the acronyms plain. APHA is the government body that checks the health of farm animals and the safety rules around them. Its Egg Marketing Team carries out audits under the national programme. These audits look at whether a farm is following the rules, keeping accurate records and submitting the required samples for laboratory testing on time.

Why all the testing? Salmonella is a type of bacteria that can cause food poisoning. Because eggs are widely eaten, routine testing in laying flocks acts like an early warning: it shows whether eggs can go to market as normal or need controls while a farm tackles a problem.

This case is also about ethics. When you work with food, honesty in paperwork is a safety measure, not just a legal tick‑box. Falsifying documents breaks trust across the supply chain-from farm teams and auditors to retailers and, ultimately, you as a shopper.

What happens when salmonella is found? The national programme’s first step is to restrict how eggs can be used so the public is protected, while officials and the farm focus on fixing the cause. That’s why the testing and the audit trail need to be reliable from the start.

If you study or teach food science, law or ethics, this is a ready‑made discussion: how do systems balance trust and verification; what pressures might tempt someone to fake results; and which checks-training, supervision, approved labs, or independent audits-help prevent bad decisions before they happen?

For producers and managers, the takeaway is practical. Keep clear sampling schedules, use recognised labs, double‑check paperwork before audits, and report problems early. Good record‑keeping isn’t just admin-it shows you’re protecting customers and your own business.

If you work in the egg or poultry sector and have a concern about compliance, APHA invites you to get in touch on 03000 200 301 or by emailing customeradvice@apha.gov.uk.