PATH-SAFE Phase 1 Evaluation Report

This report describes the findings of an evaluation of the PATH-SAFE programme from its inception in 2021 to March 2024. PATH-SAFE is a cross-governmental pilot programme focused on the surveillance of foodborne pathogens (FBPs) and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the UK. The programme consists of four workstreams focused on multiple aspects of surveillance, including sampling and sequencing activities, data infrastructure, methods development, and the generation of knowledge about FBPs, AMR and surveillance practices. It aims to influence a range of public health and economic outcomes related to FBPs and AMR. PATH-SAFE is coordinated by the Food Standards Agency (FSA), working with Food Standards Scotland (FSS), the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), the Environment Agency (EA) and the Wales and Northern Ireland governments. PATH-SAFE received £19.2 million from His Majesty’s Treasury (HMT) through the Shared Outcomes Fund (SOF) from 2021-2024, and continuation for an additional year until March 2025; however, this report is focused only on the first round of funding.