The World Health Organization (WHO) has released a guide for use of whole genome sequencing (WGS) in food safety.
The guidance comes in three parts. The first explains the minimum capacity requirements in the foodborne disease surveillance and response system prior to considering implementation of WGS.
The second discusses how
Continue Reading WHO unveils WGS guides to help tackle foodborne disease
If self-driving cars can identify objects like other cars or traffic lights, why not use artificial intelligence (AI) to identify harmful bacteria in food.
Turns out that this is not such a far-fetched idea.
“People are using AI to change people lives,” said Luyao Ma, a researcher with the Department
Continue Reading Does artificial intelligence open up promises for food safety?
By Paul Damaren
Artificial intelligence (AI) has been dominating headlines for its explosive growth, the rise of ChatBots, and the way it’s elevating the way businesses operate. In the food industry, specifically, AI is optimizing food safety, quality control, supply chain management, and so much more.
Food businesses face
Continue Reading AI has advantages in quality management
Dozens of speakers addressed FDA officials in a listening session on Sept. 30, and almost all of them said it is time for the agency to come out of the dark ages regarding its recall operations.
The speakers ranged from consumers whose children had been struck by foodborne illnesses to
Continue Reading Speakers say the FDA has access to tools to improve recalls; it just needs to use them
Most technical aspects related to sequencing have been solved but data sharing and trust remain key issues, according to experts in Europe.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and EU Commission’s Inter-European Union Reference Laboratories (EURL) Working Group on Next Genome Sequencing (NGS) organized the second Science Meets Policy conference
Continue Reading Data sharing and trust highlighted at EFSA WGS event
A limited review of remote audits in England has revealed a mixed reaction from local authorities.
The study evaluated remote assessments for Food Hygiene Rating Scheme (FHRS) re-rating inspections in England. The Food Standard Agency’s (FSA) COVID-19 recovery plan enabled local authorities to conduct an FHRS re-inspection under certain conditions
Continue Reading Mixed views from local authorities on remote assessments
TORONTO – Using crowdsourced data for foodborne outbreak investigations can work but poses a number of challenges, according to a session at the International Association for Food Protection (IAFP) conference.
Jennifer Beal, from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Laura Gieraltowski, from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and
Continue Reading Experts discuss use of crowdsourced data in outbreak investigations
Remote audits have a place in ensuring food safety but should not replace onsite visits, according to a report from the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).
Based on case studies and an OECD survey, the report examines the cost, benefits and effectiveness of remote audits. For case studies
Continue Reading OECD analysis sets out pros and cons of remote audits
Scientists have given a preview of a forthcoming publication on the use of Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) in food safety.
The World Health Organization (WHO) will launch a guide in July that outlines the capacities that need to be in place before WGS can be useful for foodborne disease surveillance and
Continue Reading Experts highlight WGS power ahead of WHO guide launch
The dedication and ribbon-cutting to open the $1.25 billion National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) in Manhattan, KS, was held during the run-up to Memorial Day. But the Plum Island Animal Disease Center remains open as the new NBAF won’t be handling those dangerous animal pathogens for maybe a year.
The U.S.
Continue Reading USDA turns the lights on at the new bio-level 4 lab but keeps Plum Island running for now
