The Food Water and Environmental Microbiology Services (FWEMS) laboratories at Porton, London and York work with Port Health Authorities across England to test imported foods at the point of entry into the UK, to ensure they are microbiologically safe to enter the food chain. Where pathogenic bacteria are detected, whole genome sequencing of isolated strains identifies any links with cases of human illness, and collaborative actions involving the FWEMS laboratories, UKHSA GIFSOH and GBRU teams, the Food Standards Agency and Port Health Authorities ensure that unsafe products are removed from the market. This ensures that consumers will not be able to buy and eat these products that are known to be unsafe, helping to prevent cases of infection.