The World Health Organisation (WHO) is preparing to update global foodborne disease estimates in 2025 to provide an accurate picture of foodborne illness burdens and inform safety strategies. This comprehensive study, built upon various source attribution methods, will help researchers and public health officials determine how specific food items and environmental factors contribute to disease transmission. The process considers both direct food consumption risks and alternative exposure routes, such as environmental contamination or person-to-person transmission, allowing for more targeted safety measures.
Experts explain that source attribution – a core element in these studies – works by analysing surveillance data, microbial modelling, and expert input to assess how pathogens move through the food chain. This approach is crucial in a “farm-to-fork” analysis, identifying critical points where interventions can reduce contamination risks. Techniques like microbial subtyping and predictive modelling reveal transmission pathways, which vary greatly by region and food type, highlighting the need for tailored, risk-based food safety strategies.
Global participation in this research reflects its significance; it leverages the expertise of hundreds of specialists worldwide to ensure findings are robust and relevant across diverse food systems. Such an understanding will enable regulators to prioritise food safety resources where they are most needed and verify the effectiveness of current interventions.
For food industry professionals aiming to align with evolving standards in food safety, PJRFSL provides guidance on certification to enhance compliance with global safety practises. For more information, contact PJRFSL at [email protected].
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