The number of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) infections in Europe declined in 2019 slightly compared to 2018 but is higher than previous years, according to a new report.
For 2019, 8,313 confirmed cases of STEC infection were reported but no multi-country outbreaks were detected or investigated. This compares to 8,658 cases in 2018 and 6,455 in 2017.
Whole genome sequencing (WGS) provides a level of additional information that more than balances out the additional costs if used effectively, according to a recent study.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has set out a plan of how local authorities can get back to food hygiene and standards work after dealing with the coronavirus pandemic.
The recovery plan for local authorities proposes a restart to the regulatory system for the highest risk businesses and providing greater flexibility for lower risk firms.
A mathematical model has been developed by scientists in Denmark to control the risk from Clostridium botulinum in certain foods.
The tool could be used in development or reformulation of fresh and lightly preserved seafood and poultry products that do not support the growth of Clostridium botulinum. Botulism poisoning is a serious but rare illness caused by toxins produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria.
Today, BSI, the business improvement and standards company, unveiled its annual Supply Chain Risk Insights 2021 Report that identifies the trends and associated risks likely to impact global supply chains in the year ahead. The report is powered by the global data in BSI's proprietary web-based, comprehensive intelligence system. Using this insight, BSI predicts the following trends will likely dominate the global supply chain throughout the year ahead:
Food fraud is of high concern to the food industry. A multitude of analytical technologies exist to detect fraud. However, this testing is often expensive. Available databases detailing fraud occurrences were systematically examined to determine how frequently analytical testing triggered fraud detection. A conceptual framework was developed for deciding when to implement analytical testing programmes for fraud and a framework to consider the economic costs of fraud and the benefits of its early detection.
Melons have been linked to a Salmonella Braenderup outbreak that has affected 200 people in more than 10 countries.
Patients have been reported in Denmark, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, the United Kingdom, Canada and Switzerland. Illnesses started in late March.
Outbreaks of Listeria monocytogenes in recent years have reminded the food industry of the serious food safety concern this pathogen creates along the food chain. Often associated with ready-to-eat foods, all food business operators (FBOs) who manufacture these goods must be able to demonstrate effective control of Listeria in their products. This is important not just because of the health risk this pathogen poses to the public, but also because it’s a requirement under EU legislation (EU microbiological criteria legislation - regulation No. 2073/2005).
A study on a deadly E. coli outbreak in the United Kingdom linked to raw pet food adds to the evidence of such products being a risk factor for human infections, according to researchers.
In August 2017, four people were infected with related strains of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) O157:H7. One person died after developing the kidney complication known as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).
This study looked at information and data from various countries around the world on the production processes for meat and poultry, and prevalence of several microorganisms.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is looking for a consultant to help with work on foodborne disease surveillance.
The appointed expert will support the Actions in Food Systems unit with development of a report on emerging topics related to foodborne infections.
EFSA has updated its safety assessment of the food additive titanium dioxide (E 171), following a request by the European Commission in March 2020.
The updated evaluation revises the outcome of EFSA’s previous assessment published in 2016, which highlighted the need for more research to fill data gaps.
More than 200 people in 11 countries could be part of a Salmonella outbreak across Europe. Investigations to find the source of the Salmonella Braenderup infections are ongoing.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) confirmed to Food Safety News that it was supporting countries in their investigations and following the incident closely with the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
More than 30 Hepatitis A infections potentially linked to eating dates are being investigated in the United Kingdom.
Since the start of this year 31 people have fallen ill in different parts of England and Wales and a number of them reported eating dates. Those sick range in age from 6 to 93 years old and 25 have been hospitalized.
Researchers have provided evidence of changes in consumers’ food-related behavior during COVID-19 restrictions in Ireland.
The study, based on an online survey of 651 adults and published in the Irish Journal of Agricultural and Food Research, showed how the first pandemic lockdown in early to mid-2020 forced people to change their shopping and cooking habits.
It examines food planning, shopping, preparation and eating behavior, including stockpiling and influences on decision-making.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has opened a public comment period on its draft food safety strategy.
The proposed WHO global strategy for food safety 2022-2030 had input from a Technical Advisory Group (TAG) on food safety that held two meetings virtually in February and April this year.
Experts have put together a document with steps to help stakeholders manage food safety risks in traditional markets.
The report contains guidance on the promotion of safe and healthy food in traditional markets in the World Health Organization (WHO) European Region. This involves identifying food safety issues, deciding on priorities for improvements, finding interventions, developing an action plan, implementing interventions and monitoring performance.
TITLE Audit and Investigations Manager
REPORTS TO Chief Audit and Investigations Manager
JOB ENVIRONMENT
The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) is a statutory, independent and science-based national
agency, dedicated to protecting consumers by leading a collaborative food safety community to
continuously raise food standards and create a culture of excellence. Core FSAI objectives exist to
ensure through regulation and engagement with stakeholders, that food consumed, produced,
distributed or marketed in Ireland is to the highest possible standards. Consumers are placed at the
centre of all its activities.
Bacon and other cured pork meats have been identified as risk factors for hepatitis E virus (HEV) in England by researchers.
They found consuming bacon, cured pork meats, and pigs’ liver were significantly associated with HEV infection, confirming previous links to processed pork products.
A specialist from the Food Standards Agency (FSA) has revealed how the authority is using data science to identify emerging risks by using a variety of sources and analytics techniques.
The aim is to help develop a picture of the food system, its safety, authenticity, and risks and vulnerabilities, so issues can be better managed.
