What UK Food Businesses Need to Know!
Starting in 2025, the European Union will introduce a rule. This rule will change the way we report food safety data. This regulation requires food manufacturers to submit Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) data for some foodborne pathogens in food products.
This move is part of the EU’s bigger plan to improve food safety. It aims to speed up outbreak response time and strengthen pathogen tracking in all member states.
If you produce, process, test, or import food for the EU market, you need to know how this affects your business.
What Is Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS)?
Whole Genome Sequencing, or WGS, is a powerful laboratory method used to read the complete DNA of a microorganism. This technique provides detailed information about a pathogen. It shows if the pathogen is resistant to antibiotics, how dangerous it is, and where it may have come from.
WGS is faster and more accurate than older methods of identifying pathogens. It helps public health authorities track foodborne illnesses more precisely.
Why Is the EU Making WGS Data Submission Mandatory?
The EU is using WGS for foodborne pathogens to:
- Detect foodborne outbreaks early—especially those that cross borders
- Track the exact source of contamination in the food supply
- Monitor antimicrobial resistance genes in pathogens
- Create a central database of information to support real-time public health action
The EU is making WGS data submission mandatory. This creates a connected system that keeps food safer for everyone. It also holds businesses accountable for the role they play in public health.
Which pathogens does this cover?
The regulation focuses on three key foodborne pathogens that are often linked to serious outbreaks:
- Listeria monocytogenes
- Salmonella spp.
- Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC)
If testing or a government investigation finds these in your food, you might need to submit WGS data. This data goes to the EU’s public health databases.
Who Must Submit WGS Data?
The new rules apply to a wide range of organisations, including:
- Accredited food testing laboratories performing pathogen testing
- Food manufacturers and processors operating in or exporting to the EU
- Importers selling food into the EU, especially ready-to-eat or high-risk products
- Food safety authorities involved in national surveillance
Even if your company does not do microbial genome sequencing itself, you are still responsible. You must ensure that you submit the data correctly and on time.
What Businesses Need to Do
To meet the new EU food safety regulations, food businesses and laboratories need to start preparing now. Here’s how:
1. Upgrade Testing Capabilities
Make sure your testing lab can perform Whole Genome Sequencing to EU standards. This might mean upgrading lab equipment, partnering with a WGS-capable third-party lab, or improving internal processes.
2. Standardise Your Metadata
When submitting WGS data, you also need to include supporting information—or “metadata”—about the sample. This includes the product type, collection date, and more. Incorrect or incomplete metadata can lead to the rejection of your submission.
3. Handle Data Confidentially
Even though data must be shared with public authorities, businesses are allowed to anonymise certain fields. Striking the right balance between privacy and pathogen traceability is important.
4. Train Your Staff
Your microbiologists, QA teams, and food safety managers must know how to manage WGS compliance. They also need to know what to do if your products link to a pathogen detection.
5. Stay Informed
These regulations are evolving. Stay updated on food industry rules in the EU. This is important if you import or supply high-risk items like dairy, meat, or produce.
What Are the Benefits of WGS for Businesses?
Adapting to these changes may seem overwhelming at first. However, there are many long-term benefits to using WGS data submission in your food safety strategy.
- Faster outbreak resolution means less time dealing with product recalls
- Greater transparency builds trust with customers, partners, and regulators
- Better market access into the EU, where food safety standards are among the strictest in the world
- Reduced costs from enforcement actions, investigations, or shipping delays
- Future-proofing your operations as more regions adopt WGS-based standards
How Perry Johnson Food Safety, LTD. UK Can Help
At Perry Johnson Food Safety, Ltd. (PJRFSL) UK, we help businesses adjust to new food safety rules. If you need help with WGS compliance for food importers, we can assist you.
We can also help ensure your testing lab is ready. Additionally, we can help you obtain certification in a recognised food safety certification scheme. Our team is here for you.
We offer:
- Food safety auditing services
- WGS compliance assessments
- Support with metadata collection and recordkeeping
- Consultation on meeting EU food safety regulations
- Custom training and capacity-building for your food safety team
Final Thoughts
The move toward mandatory WGS data submission is a major step in strengthening food safety across Europe. By acting early, food businesses in the UK can stay compliant and lead in food safety testing and innovation.
Ready to get your food safety systems future-proofed?
Contact PJRFSL UK today!
Speak with our team of experts and learn how we can help you meet the new EU WGS data requirements with confidence.
PJRFSL UK:
Phone: +44 (0) 203 917 6096
Email: [email protected]
