Joint Fao Who Expert Consultation On Risk Assessment Of Microbiological Hazards In Foods Fao Headquarters Rome 17 21 July 2000

The microbiological safety of food is becoming an increasingly important issue in many countries. A number of factors have contributed to this, including changes in methods of food production and processing, changing consumption patterns, greater consumer awareness of food safety issues and emerging and re-emerging pathogens. Also, the expansion of international trade in food has increased the risk of infectious agents being disseminated from the original point of production to locations thousands of miles away. In addressing this issue at the international level FAO and WHO convened a joint Expert Consultation on Risk Assessment of Microbiological Hazards in Foods from 17 to 21 July 2000 in Rome. The meeting specifically addressed risk assessment of Salmonella spp. in broilers and eggs and Listeria monocytogenes in ready-to-eat foods. This report summarizes its findings and includes advice and guidance on hazard characterization and exposure assessment of these pathogen-commodity combinations for consideration by FAO/WHO Member Countries and the Codex Alimentarius Commission.

This report summarizes the findings of the Joint Meeting on the risk assessments of salmonella in eggs and broiler chickens, and listeria in ready-to-eat foods. It presents a preliminary response to the specific risk management questions posed by the Codex Committee on Food Hygiene. It provides advice on how these risk assessments can be used and adapted by FAO and WHO member countries.

This report is a compilation of information on Salmonella in eggs and broiler chickens, organised in a systematic risk assessment framework. It includes data and methodology relevant to the four steps of risk assessment - hazard identification, exposure assessment and hazard characterization and risk characterization - of Salmonella in eggs and broiler chickens. It also includes information on the efficacy of some of the possible risk management options for controlling these pathogens in eggs and broiler chickens.

In this book, leading authorities present a broad overview of the microbial pathogens and toxins associated with foodborne illness while discussing pathogenicity, clinical epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment. The volume covers all the bacterial pathogens, viruses, protozoans, and parasites, as well as microbial toxins. Additionally, authors discuss pathogen control strategies and look toward future innovations in food safety technology.

This unique book covers the key issues relating to the control and management of the most commonly occurring food borne bacteria which compromise the safety and quality of food. The 21 case studies, drawn from a wide range of sources, present real life situations in which the management of food borne pathogens failed or was at risk of failure. Each chapter contains a case study which is supported by relevant background information (such as diagrams, tables of data, etc), study questions and a subsequent feedback commentary, all of which encourage the reader to apply their knowledge. With reference to specific organisms such as E. coli, Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes and so on, the chapters move the reader progressively from strategies for control of food borne organisms, techniques for their control, appreciating risk, through sampling criteria and acceptance, to managing risk. With the provision of real-life problems to explore, along with the opportunity to propose and justify approaches to managing food safety, this book will be welcomed as a new approach to learning not only by students and their teachers, but also by food professionals in policy-making and enforcement and the many within the food industry who are involved with the management of food safety.

Contains information that is useful to both risk assessors and risk managers, including international scientific committees, the Codex Alimentarius Commission, governments, and food regulatory agencies, scientists, food producers and industries and other people or institutions with an interest in microbiological hazards in foods, their impact on public health and food trade and their control.

This volume contains the interpretative summary on the monographs on risk assessment of Salmonella in eggs and broiler chickens that have been prepared and reviewed by an international team of scientists. During their preparation input was received from several international fora including expert consultations and Codex Alimentarius committee meetings as well as via public and peer review.