Editorial: The European Food Risk Assessment Fellowship Programme (EU-FORA)
Bronzwaer, S., Le Gourierec, N., & Koulouris, S. (2016). Editorial: The European Food Risk Assessment Fellowship Programme (EU-FORA). EFSA Journal, 14(11).
Scientific reports of the Fellows
Published in special issues of the EFSA Journal
2018
Marakis G; Ziegenhagen R; Lampen A; Hirsch-Ernst K
Risk assessment of substances used in food supplements: the example of the botanical Gymnema sylvestre Journal Article
In: EFSA Journal, vol. 16, no. S1, pp. e16083, 2018.
Abstract | Links | Tags: botanical, food supplement, Gymnema sylvestre, risk assessment
@article{https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2018.e16083,
title = {Risk assessment of substances used in food supplements: the example of the botanical Gymnema sylvestre},
author = {G Marakis and R Ziegenhagen and A Lampen and KI Hirsch-Ernst},
url = {https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2018.e16083},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2018.e16083},
year = {2018},
date = {2018-01-01},
journal = {EFSA Journal},
volume = {16},
number = {S1},
pages = {e16083},
abstract = {Abstract Botanicals and preparations derived from these are among the substances frequently added to foods and food supplements, yet the safety of many botanicals has not been systematically assessed. In the context of the EU-FORA fellowship programme, the fellow performed an assessment on the safety of the botanical Gymnema sylvestre, in accordance with EFSA's guidance on the assessment of safety of botanicals. Although preparations of G. sylvestre are marketed as food supplements, they may appeal to people who are suffering from metabolic syndrome and/or diabetes mellitus. A scientific literature search was carried out using PubMed/MEDLINE and EMBASE electronic databases. Experience was gained by the fellow in systematic data extraction from scientific publications, structuring of the data and evaluating toxicological key parameters, outcomes of clinical significance, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interactions, uncertainties and methodological shortcomings of studies. Limited evidence from toxicological in vivo studies and human clinical studies suggested lack of relevant adverse effects of this botanical. However, human studies provided some indications that certain Gymnema extracts may enhance the glucose-lowering effects of certain antidiabetic drugs. Considering the uncertainties for the composition of different Gymnema preparations, potential herb–drug interactions and the indications of glucose lowering or hypoglycaemic effects, the use of Gymnema-based food supplements in combination with authorised antidiabetic drugs may be associated with risks. The procedures learned for the safety evaluation of Gymnema may be similarly applied by the fellow for the risk assessment of other substances with nutritional or physiological effect added to foods and food supplements. Furthermore, apart from learning by conducting exercises in risk assessment, the fellow was able to develop other skills (e.g. communication skills), diversify his competencies and expand his network of scientific connections for future collaborations in the field of nutritional risk assessment.},
keywords = {botanical, food supplement, Gymnema sylvestre, risk assessment},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Abstract Botanicals and preparations derived from these are among the substances frequently added to foods and food supplements, yet the safety of many botanicals has not been systematically assessed. In the context of the EU-FORA fellowship programme, the fellow performed an assessment on the safety of the botanical Gymnema sylvestre, in accordance with EFSA’s guidance on the assessment of safety of botanicals. Although preparations of G. sylvestre are marketed as food supplements, they may appeal to people who are suffering from metabolic syndrome and/or diabetes mellitus. A scientific literature search was carried out using PubMed/MEDLINE and EMBASE electronic databases. Experience was gained by the fellow in systematic data extraction from scientific publications, structuring of the data and evaluating toxicological key parameters, outcomes of clinical significance, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interactions, uncertainties and methodological shortcomings of studies. Limited evidence from toxicological in vivo studies and human clinical studies suggested lack of relevant adverse effects of this botanical. However, human studies provided some indications that certain Gymnema extracts may enhance the glucose-lowering effects of certain antidiabetic drugs. Considering the uncertainties for the composition of different Gymnema preparations, potential herb–drug interactions and the indications of glucose lowering or hypoglycaemic effects, the use of Gymnema-based food supplements in combination with authorised antidiabetic drugs may be associated with risks. The procedures learned for the safety evaluation of Gymnema may be similarly applied by the fellow for the risk assessment of other substances with nutritional or physiological effect added to foods and food supplements. Furthermore, apart from learning by conducting exercises in risk assessment, the fellow was able to develop other skills (e.g. communication skills), diversify his competencies and expand his network of scientific connections for future collaborations in the field of nutritional risk assessment.
Rusko J; Febbraio F
Development of an automated multienzymatic biosensor for risk assessment of pesticide contamination in water and food Journal Article
In: EFSA Journal, vol. 16, no. S1, pp. e16084, 2018.
Abstract | Links | Tags: biosensing device, environmental monitoring, organophosphate pesticides, thermophilic esterase
@article{https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2018.e16084,
title = {Development of an automated multienzymatic biosensor for risk assessment of pesticide contamination in water and food},
author = {Janis Rusko and Ferdinando Febbraio},
url = {https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2018.e16084},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2018.e16084},
year = {2018},
date = {2018-01-01},
journal = {EFSA Journal},
volume = {16},
number = {S1},
pages = {e16084},
abstract = {Abstract The goal of this research is to better address the problems related to the widespread presence of pesticides in the environment. Despite the unquestionable utility of the pesticides against various pests in the agricultural field, most pesticides and the corresponding pesticide residues are toxic to the environment and hazardous to human health. The recent literature on organophosphate compounds emphasises a clear correlation between their use and the occurrence of disorders in the nervous system, especially in children. The conventional systems for the detection and analysis of these compounds are expensive, time-consuming and require highly specialised operators; moreover, no online automated screening systems are yet available, that would allow the identification and quantification of the presence of these chemicals in samples from industrial sectors such as the food industry. Esterase-based biosensors represent a viable alternative to this problem. In this fellowship programme, we aim to develop a robust and sensitive methodology that enables the screening of toxic compounds using a streamlined process, using an automated robotic system to achieve a continuous monitoring for risk assessment of pesticides.},
keywords = {biosensing device, environmental monitoring, organophosphate pesticides, thermophilic esterase},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Abstract The goal of this research is to better address the problems related to the widespread presence of pesticides in the environment. Despite the unquestionable utility of the pesticides against various pests in the agricultural field, most pesticides and the corresponding pesticide residues are toxic to the environment and hazardous to human health. The recent literature on organophosphate compounds emphasises a clear correlation between their use and the occurrence of disorders in the nervous system, especially in children. The conventional systems for the detection and analysis of these compounds are expensive, time-consuming and require highly specialised operators; moreover, no online automated screening systems are yet available, that would allow the identification and quantification of the presence of these chemicals in samples from industrial sectors such as the food industry. Esterase-based biosensors represent a viable alternative to this problem. In this fellowship programme, we aim to develop a robust and sensitive methodology that enables the screening of toxic compounds using a streamlined process, using an automated robotic system to achieve a continuous monitoring for risk assessment of pesticides.
Rasinger J D; Frenzel F; Braeuning A; Lampen A
Identification and evaluation of potentially mutagenic and carcinogenic food contaminants Journal Article
In: EFSA Journal, vol. 16, no. S1, pp. e16085, 2018.
Abstract | Links | Tags: data mining, in silico toxicology, QSAR, R
@article{https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2018.e16085,
title = {Identification and evaluation of potentially mutagenic and carcinogenic food contaminants},
author = {Josef D Rasinger and Falko Frenzel and Albert Braeuning and Alfonso Lampen},
url = {https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2018.e16085},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2018.e16085},
year = {2018},
date = {2018-01-01},
journal = {EFSA Journal},
volume = {16},
number = {S1},
pages = {e16085},
abstract = {Abstract Heat processing of food gives rise to a plethora of chemical compounds whose toxicological effects are largely unknown. Due to a general lack of experimental toxicological data, assessing the risks associated with the consumption of these substances remains a challenge. Computer models that allow for an in silico prediction of physicochemical and toxicological characteristics, may be able to fill current data gaps and facilitate the risk assessment of toxicologically uncharacterised chemicals, their transformation products and their biological metabolites. The overall aims of the present project were for the fellow: (i) to get acquainted with the application of computational toxicological analyses tools in risk assessment based on results and experiences from previous research performed at the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR); and (ii) to apply the newly gained skills on historic and novel data using updated and additional in silico tools. The project contributed to the continuous further education of the fellow in the use of computational toxicology tools, corroborated findings related to the safety of heat-induced contaminants and laid the foundations for future collaborations between the fellow's home institution, the Institute of Marine Research (IMR) in Norway, and the BfR in Germany.},
keywords = {data mining, in silico toxicology, QSAR, R},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Abstract Heat processing of food gives rise to a plethora of chemical compounds whose toxicological effects are largely unknown. Due to a general lack of experimental toxicological data, assessing the risks associated with the consumption of these substances remains a challenge. Computer models that allow for an in silico prediction of physicochemical and toxicological characteristics, may be able to fill current data gaps and facilitate the risk assessment of toxicologically uncharacterised chemicals, their transformation products and their biological metabolites. The overall aims of the present project were for the fellow: (i) to get acquainted with the application of computational toxicological analyses tools in risk assessment based on results and experiences from previous research performed at the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR); and (ii) to apply the newly gained skills on historic and novel data using updated and additional in silico tools. The project contributed to the continuous further education of the fellow in the use of computational toxicology tools, corroborated findings related to the safety of heat-induced contaminants and laid the foundations for future collaborations between the fellow’s home institution, the Institute of Marine Research (IMR) in Norway, and the BfR in Germany.
Hoorde K V; Butler F
Use of next-generation sequencing in microbial risk assessment Journal Article
In: EFSA Journal, vol. 16, no. S1, pp. e16086, 2018.
Abstract | Links | Tags: food safety, Illumina, microbial risk assessment, MinION, MiSeq, next-generation sequencing, Oxford Nanopore Technologies, whole genome sequencing
@article{https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2018.e16086,
title = {Use of next-generation sequencing in microbial risk assessment},
author = {K Van Hoorde and F Butler},
url = {https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2018.e16086},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2018.e16086},
year = {2018},
date = {2018-01-01},
journal = {EFSA Journal},
volume = {16},
number = {S1},
pages = {e16086},
abstract = {Abstract Despite the ever increase in rigorous control and monitoring measures to assure safe food along the entire farm-to-fork chain, the past decade has also witnessed an increase in microbial food alerts. Hence, research on food safety and quality remain of utmost importance. Complementary, and at least as important, is the necessity to be able to assess the potential microbial risks along the food chain. Risk assessment relies on sound scientific data. Unfortunately, often, quality data are limited if not lacking. High-throughput tools such as next-generation sequencing (NGS) could fill this gap. NGS approaches can be used to generate ample qualitative and quantitative data to be used in the risk assessment process. NGS applications are not new in food microbiology with applications ranging from pathogen detection along the food chain, food epidemiology studies, whole genome analysis of food-associated microorganisms up to describing complete food microbiomes. Yet, its application in the area of microbial risk assessment is still at an early stage and faces important challenges. The possibilities of NGS for risk assessment are ample, but so are the questions on the subject. One of the major strengths of NGS lies in its capacity to generate a lot of data, but to what extend can this wealth be of use in hazard identification, hazard characterisation and exposure assessment to perform a sound risk characterisation, which in turn will make it possible to take substantiated risk management decisions.},
keywords = {food safety, Illumina, microbial risk assessment, MinION, MiSeq, next-generation sequencing, Oxford Nanopore Technologies, whole genome sequencing},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Abstract Despite the ever increase in rigorous control and monitoring measures to assure safe food along the entire farm-to-fork chain, the past decade has also witnessed an increase in microbial food alerts. Hence, research on food safety and quality remain of utmost importance. Complementary, and at least as important, is the necessity to be able to assess the potential microbial risks along the food chain. Risk assessment relies on sound scientific data. Unfortunately, often, quality data are limited if not lacking. High-throughput tools such as next-generation sequencing (NGS) could fill this gap. NGS approaches can be used to generate ample qualitative and quantitative data to be used in the risk assessment process. NGS applications are not new in food microbiology with applications ranging from pathogen detection along the food chain, food epidemiology studies, whole genome analysis of food-associated microorganisms up to describing complete food microbiomes. Yet, its application in the area of microbial risk assessment is still at an early stage and faces important challenges. The possibilities of NGS for risk assessment are ample, but so are the questions on the subject. One of the major strengths of NGS lies in its capacity to generate a lot of data, but to what extend can this wealth be of use in hazard identification, hazard characterisation and exposure assessment to perform a sound risk characterisation, which in turn will make it possible to take substantiated risk management decisions.
Markantonis M; Velde-Koerts T; Graven C; Biesebeek J; Zeilmaker M; Rietveld A; Ossendorp B
Assessment of occupational and dietary exposure to pesticide residues Journal Article
In: EFSA Journal, vol. 16, no. S1, pp. e16087, 2018.
Abstract | Links | Tags: dermal absorption, dietary risk assessment, maximum residue level, plant protection products, re-entry interval, residue exposure
@article{https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2018.e16087,
title = {Assessment of occupational and dietary exposure to pesticide residues},
author = {M Markantonis and T Velde-Koerts and C Graven and JD Biesebeek and M Zeilmaker and AG Rietveld and BC Ossendorp},
url = {https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2018.e16087},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2018.e16087},
year = {2018},
date = {2018-01-01},
journal = {EFSA Journal},
volume = {16},
number = {S1},
pages = {e16087},
abstract = {Abstract Plant protection products (PPPs) are pesticides containing at least one active substance that drives specific actions against pests (diseases). PPPs are regulated in the EU and cannot be placed on the market or used without prior authorisation. EFSA assesses the possible risks of the use of active substances to humans and environment. Member States decide whether or not to approve their use at EU level. Furthermore, Member States decide at national level on the authorisation of PPPs containing approved substances. In agriculture, exposure to PPPs and their residues during occupational tasks is estimated prior to product authorisation, using models fed with study-specific (e.g. absorption, dissipation) and default values. Exposure of workers to pesticide residues reduces with the pesticide's dissipation time during crop-related tasks. However, the current risk assessment gap is that no methodology is available to calculate the re-entry interval (REI) for workers, which specifies how long they should wear personal protective clothing during their first entry into pesticide-sprayed crops. Protective clothing (such as gloves) can reduce pesticide residue exposure to an acceptable level of worker safety. Within the European Food Risk Assessment Fellowship Programme (EU-FORA) assignment, a methodology was developed to calculate agricultural-use-specific and pesticide-specific REIs for which period workers should wear gloves. This was an assignment of the Dutch Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment. Another important aspect of risk assessment to ensure consumer safety is dietary risk assessment. A critical evaluation of residue studies and metabolism of the pesticide in question in crops results in a residue definition for dietary risk assessment and for enforcement and monitoring to define maximum residue limits allowed legally on or in raw agricultural commodities when applying pesticides according to good agricultural practices. This work was assigned by the Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport and contributes to the work of the Joint FAO/WHO Meeting on Pesticide Residues.},
keywords = {dermal absorption, dietary risk assessment, maximum residue level, plant protection products, re-entry interval, residue exposure},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Abstract Plant protection products (PPPs) are pesticides containing at least one active substance that drives specific actions against pests (diseases). PPPs are regulated in the EU and cannot be placed on the market or used without prior authorisation. EFSA assesses the possible risks of the use of active substances to humans and environment. Member States decide whether or not to approve their use at EU level. Furthermore, Member States decide at national level on the authorisation of PPPs containing approved substances. In agriculture, exposure to PPPs and their residues during occupational tasks is estimated prior to product authorisation, using models fed with study-specific (e.g. absorption, dissipation) and default values. Exposure of workers to pesticide residues reduces with the pesticide’s dissipation time during crop-related tasks. However, the current risk assessment gap is that no methodology is available to calculate the re-entry interval (REI) for workers, which specifies how long they should wear personal protective clothing during their first entry into pesticide-sprayed crops. Protective clothing (such as gloves) can reduce pesticide residue exposure to an acceptable level of worker safety. Within the European Food Risk Assessment Fellowship Programme (EU-FORA) assignment, a methodology was developed to calculate agricultural-use-specific and pesticide-specific REIs for which period workers should wear gloves. This was an assignment of the Dutch Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment. Another important aspect of risk assessment to ensure consumer safety is dietary risk assessment. A critical evaluation of residue studies and metabolism of the pesticide in question in crops results in a residue definition for dietary risk assessment and for enforcement and monitoring to define maximum residue limits allowed legally on or in raw agricultural commodities when applying pesticides according to good agricultural practices. This work was assigned by the Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport and contributes to the work of the Joint FAO/WHO Meeting on Pesticide Residues.
Czyż M J; Filter M; Buschulte A
Application of data science in risk assessment and early warning Journal Article
In: EFSA Journal, vol. 16, no. S1, pp. e16088, 2018.
Abstract | Links | Tags: data science, early warning, emerging risks
@article{https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2018.e16088,
title = {Application of data science in risk assessment and early warning},
author = {Michał Jan Czyż and Matthias Filter and Anja Buschulte},
url = {https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2018.e16088},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2018.e16088},
year = {2018},
date = {2018-01-01},
journal = {EFSA Journal},
volume = {16},
number = {S1},
pages = {e16088},
abstract = {Abstract The currently applied approaches, procedures and tools used for the identification of emerging risks vary greatly among Member States of the EU. EFSA established a structured approach for emerging risk identification that mainly consists of systematically searching, collecting, collating and analysing information and data. In addition, EFSA concluded that new methodologies and tools are needed to facilitate efficient and transparent sharing of data, knowledge and methods in the field of emerging risk identification between Member States. As the result of an open call issued by EFSA, the ‘Determination and metrics of emerging risks’ (DEMETER) project was established in spring 2017 to support current and future procedures for identification of emerging risks. As the Bundesinstitut für Risikobewertung (BfR) hosting site is involved in the DEMETER project, as well as in several other software development activities in the area of quantitative microbiological risk assessment, the fellow had the opportunity to play an active role in the project work and development of the running DEMETER project. The training and close integration in the project team enabled the fellow to make significant contributions, e.g. with the creation of new open source data processing workflows and by contributing to the Emerging Risk Knowledge Exchange Platform (ERKEP) Framework Concept Note. Besides DEMETER, the fellow participated in other activities of the Unit for Food Technologies, Supply Chains and Food Defence, including testing and applying several BfR open source software tools which had been developed in previous projects and that are used in microbiological risk assessment (e.g. Predictive Microbial Modelling Lab (PMM-Lab)) or as automatic data retrieval systems (e.g. SiLeBAT NewsRadar) – see https://foodrisklabs.bfr.bund.de.},
keywords = {data science, early warning, emerging risks},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Abstract The currently applied approaches, procedures and tools used for the identification of emerging risks vary greatly among Member States of the EU. EFSA established a structured approach for emerging risk identification that mainly consists of systematically searching, collecting, collating and analysing information and data. In addition, EFSA concluded that new methodologies and tools are needed to facilitate efficient and transparent sharing of data, knowledge and methods in the field of emerging risk identification between Member States. As the result of an open call issued by EFSA, the ‘Determination and metrics of emerging risks’ (DEMETER) project was established in spring 2017 to support current and future procedures for identification of emerging risks. As the Bundesinstitut für Risikobewertung (BfR) hosting site is involved in the DEMETER project, as well as in several other software development activities in the area of quantitative microbiological risk assessment, the fellow had the opportunity to play an active role in the project work and development of the running DEMETER project. The training and close integration in the project team enabled the fellow to make significant contributions, e.g. with the creation of new open source data processing workflows and by contributing to the Emerging Risk Knowledge Exchange Platform (ERKEP) Framework Concept Note. Besides DEMETER, the fellow participated in other activities of the Unit for Food Technologies, Supply Chains and Food Defence, including testing and applying several BfR open source software tools which had been developed in previous projects and that are used in microbiological risk assessment (e.g. Predictive Microbial Modelling Lab (PMM-Lab)) or as automatic data retrieval systems (e.g. SiLeBAT NewsRadar) – see https://foodrisklabs.bfr.bund.de.
Pesciaroli M; Chardon J; Evers E
Modelling of inactivation through heating for quantitative microbiological risk assessment (QMRA) Journal Article
In: EFSA Journal, vol. 16, no. S1, pp. e16089, 2018.
Abstract | Links | Tags: D/z model, Exposure assessment, heating, home preparation, inactivation, meat, QMRA
@article{https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2018.e16089,
title = {Modelling of inactivation through heating for quantitative microbiological risk assessment (QMRA)},
author = {M Pesciaroli and JE Chardon and EG Evers},
url = {https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2018.e16089},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2018.e16089},
year = {2018},
date = {2018-01-01},
journal = {EFSA Journal},
volume = {16},
number = {S1},
pages = {e16089},
abstract = {Abstract EFSA regards the household as a stage in the food chain that is important for the final number of food-borne infections. The fate of a pathogen in the private kitchen largely depends on consumer hygiene during preparation of food and on its proper cooking, especially in the case of meat. Unfortunately, detailed information on the microbiological survival in meat products after heating in the consumer kitchen is lacking. The aim of the study was to improve the estimation of the inactivating effect on pathogens by heating meat or a meat product by the consumer in the kitchen. On that account, artificially contaminated meat and meat products were cooked according to several degrees of doneness and simulating real world conditions, and bacterial survival was measured. Heat camera pictures and button temperature loggers inserted into the food matrix served to record time and the temperature of heating. Temperature, time and the microbial survival ratio observed served to inform a mathematical model able to explain the thermal inactivation of meat or a meat product in home settings. The results of the study would help to improve microbiological comparative exposure assessments of pathogens in food, as an attribution tool and as a supportive tool for risk-based sampling in monitoring and surveillance.},
keywords = {D/z model, Exposure assessment, heating, home preparation, inactivation, meat, QMRA},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Abstract EFSA regards the household as a stage in the food chain that is important for the final number of food-borne infections. The fate of a pathogen in the private kitchen largely depends on consumer hygiene during preparation of food and on its proper cooking, especially in the case of meat. Unfortunately, detailed information on the microbiological survival in meat products after heating in the consumer kitchen is lacking. The aim of the study was to improve the estimation of the inactivating effect on pathogens by heating meat or a meat product by the consumer in the kitchen. On that account, artificially contaminated meat and meat products were cooked according to several degrees of doneness and simulating real world conditions, and bacterial survival was measured. Heat camera pictures and button temperature loggers inserted into the food matrix served to record time and the temperature of heating. Temperature, time and the microbial survival ratio observed served to inform a mathematical model able to explain the thermal inactivation of meat or a meat product in home settings. The results of the study would help to improve microbiological comparative exposure assessments of pathogens in food, as an attribution tool and as a supportive tool for risk-based sampling in monitoring and surveillance.
Nelis K; Rossum C
Preparation of Dutch food consumption data for risk assessment Journal Article
In: EFSA Journal, vol. 16, no. S1, pp. e160810, 2018.
Abstract | Links | Tags: EU-FORA, Fellowship, food consumption survey, habitual intake, SPADE
@article{https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2018.e160810,
title = {Preparation of Dutch food consumption data for risk assessment},
author = {K Nelis and C Rossum},
url = {https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2018.e160810},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2018.e160810},
year = {2018},
date = {2018-01-01},
journal = {EFSA Journal},
volume = {16},
number = {S1},
pages = {e160810},
abstract = {Abstract The availability of detailed and high-quality food consumption data collected at an individual level is essential for assessing the exposure to potential risks in the food chain. During the years 2012–2016, the Dutch National Food Consumption Survey was conducted in the Netherlands as part of the EU Menu survey, following the EFSA 2009 guidance on ‘General principles for the collection of national food consumption data in the view of a pan-European dietary survey’. Complete results were obtained for 4,313 persons aged 1–79 years (response rate 65%). The work programme proposed to the European Food Risk Assessment (EU-FORA) Fellow included FoodEx2 mapping of the Dutch food consumption data and preparing the final scientific report for EFSA as well as analysing habitual intake of nutrients using the SPADE programme. Further activities were added, such as performing a literature search as to the validity and usability of mobile applications for collecting food consumption data and exploring methods for estimating added-sugar/free-sugar intake.},
keywords = {EU-FORA, Fellowship, food consumption survey, habitual intake, SPADE},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Abstract The availability of detailed and high-quality food consumption data collected at an individual level is essential for assessing the exposure to potential risks in the food chain. During the years 2012–2016, the Dutch National Food Consumption Survey was conducted in the Netherlands as part of the EU Menu survey, following the EFSA 2009 guidance on ‘General principles for the collection of national food consumption data in the view of a pan-European dietary survey’. Complete results were obtained for 4,313 persons aged 1–79 years (response rate 65%). The work programme proposed to the European Food Risk Assessment (EU-FORA) Fellow included FoodEx2 mapping of the Dutch food consumption data and preparing the final scientific report for EFSA as well as analysing habitual intake of nutrients using the SPADE programme. Further activities were added, such as performing a literature search as to the validity and usability of mobile applications for collecting food consumption data and exploring methods for estimating added-sugar/free-sugar intake.
Likotrafiti E; Oniciuc E; Prieto M; Santos J; López S; Alvarez-Ordóñez A
Risk assessment of antimicrobial resistance along the food chain through culture-independent methodologies Journal Article
In: EFSA Journal, vol. 16, no. S1, pp. e160811, 2018.
Abstract | Links | Tags: Antimicrobial resistance, food-borne pathogens, metagenomics, risk assessment, surveillance, whole genome sequencing
@article{https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2018.e160811,
title = {Risk assessment of antimicrobial resistance along the food chain through culture-independent methodologies},
author = {E Likotrafiti and EA Oniciuc and M Prieto and JA Santos and S López and A Alvarez-Ordóñez},
url = {https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2018.e160811},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2018.e160811},
year = {2018},
date = {2018-01-01},
journal = {EFSA Journal},
volume = {16},
number = {S1},
pages = {e160811},
abstract = {Abstract Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) represents a major challenge for Public Health and the scientific community, and requires immediate and drastic solutions. Acquired resistance to certain antimicrobials is already widespread to such an extent that their efficacy in the treatment of certain life-threatening infections is already compromised. To date, the emergence and spread of AMR has been attributed to the use, misuse or indiscriminate use of antibiotics as therapeutic drugs in human, animal and plant health, or as growth promoters in veterinary husbandry. In addition, there is growing concern over the possibility of AMR transmission via the food chain. Food processing environments could act as potential hotspots for AMR acquisition and spread. Indeed, biocide use and exposure to food-related stresses and food processing technologies could presumably act as selection pressures for increased microbial resistance against clinically relevant antibiotics. Global AMR surveillance is critical for providing the necessary information to form global strategies and to monitor the effectiveness of public health interventions as well as to detect new trends and emerging threats. Surveillance of AMR is currently based on the isolation of indicator microorganisms and the phenotypic characterisation of the strains isolated. However, this approach provides very limited information on the mechanisms driving AMR or on the presence and spread of AMR genes. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) of bacterial pathogens is a powerful tool that can be used for epidemiological surveillance, outbreak detection and infection control. In addition, whole metagenome sequencing (WMS) allows for the culture-independent analysis of complex microbial communities, providing useful information on the occurrence of AMR genes. Both approaches can be used to provide the information necessary for the implementation of quantitative risk assessment of AMR transmission routes along the food chain.},
keywords = {Antimicrobial resistance, food-borne pathogens, metagenomics, risk assessment, surveillance, whole genome sequencing},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Abstract Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) represents a major challenge for Public Health and the scientific community, and requires immediate and drastic solutions. Acquired resistance to certain antimicrobials is already widespread to such an extent that their efficacy in the treatment of certain life-threatening infections is already compromised. To date, the emergence and spread of AMR has been attributed to the use, misuse or indiscriminate use of antibiotics as therapeutic drugs in human, animal and plant health, or as growth promoters in veterinary husbandry. In addition, there is growing concern over the possibility of AMR transmission via the food chain. Food processing environments could act as potential hotspots for AMR acquisition and spread. Indeed, biocide use and exposure to food-related stresses and food processing technologies could presumably act as selection pressures for increased microbial resistance against clinically relevant antibiotics. Global AMR surveillance is critical for providing the necessary information to form global strategies and to monitor the effectiveness of public health interventions as well as to detect new trends and emerging threats. Surveillance of AMR is currently based on the isolation of indicator microorganisms and the phenotypic characterisation of the strains isolated. However, this approach provides very limited information on the mechanisms driving AMR or on the presence and spread of AMR genes. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) of bacterial pathogens is a powerful tool that can be used for epidemiological surveillance, outbreak detection and infection control. In addition, whole metagenome sequencing (WMS) allows for the culture-independent analysis of complex microbial communities, providing useful information on the occurrence of AMR genes. Both approaches can be used to provide the information necessary for the implementation of quantitative risk assessment of AMR transmission routes along the food chain.
Condoleo R; Gale P; Adkin A; Roberts H; Simons R
Livestock Health and Food Chain Risk Assessment Journal Article
In: EFSA Journal, vol. 16, no. S1, pp. e160812, 2018.
Abstract | Links | Tags: food chain, livestock health, risk assessment
@article{https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2018.e160812,
title = {Livestock Health and Food Chain Risk Assessment},
author = {R Condoleo and P Gale and A Adkin and H Roberts and R Simons},
url = {https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2018.e160812},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2018.e160812},
year = {2018},
date = {2018-01-01},
journal = {EFSA Journal},
volume = {16},
number = {S1},
pages = {e160812},
abstract = {Abstract The EUFORA fellowship programme ‘Livestock Health and Food Chain Risk Assessment’ was proposed by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), a British governmental institution responsible for safeguarding animal and plant health in the UK. The working programme, which was organised into four different modules, covered a wide range of aspects related to risk assessment including identification of emerging risks, risk prioritisation methods, scanning surveillance, food production exposure assessment and import risk assessment of animal and human infectious diseases. Over the course of the year, the Fellow had the opportunity to work for international projects with experts in these disciplines. This allowed for significant opportunities to ‘learn-by-doing’ the methods and the techniques that are employed to assess animal health and food safety risks. Moreover, he consolidated his knowledge by attending several training courses and academic lessons, submitting scientific papers to peer-reviewed journals and conferences, giving presentations and using modelling software.},
keywords = {food chain, livestock health, risk assessment},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Abstract The EUFORA fellowship programme ‘Livestock Health and Food Chain Risk Assessment’ was proposed by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), a British governmental institution responsible for safeguarding animal and plant health in the UK. The working programme, which was organised into four different modules, covered a wide range of aspects related to risk assessment including identification of emerging risks, risk prioritisation methods, scanning surveillance, food production exposure assessment and import risk assessment of animal and human infectious diseases. Over the course of the year, the Fellow had the opportunity to work for international projects with experts in these disciplines. This allowed for significant opportunities to ‘learn-by-doing’ the methods and the techniques that are employed to assess animal health and food safety risks. Moreover, he consolidated his knowledge by attending several training courses and academic lessons, submitting scientific papers to peer-reviewed journals and conferences, giving presentations and using modelling software.
Langerholc T; Lindqvist R; Sand S
Risk ranking of chemical and microbiological hazards in food Journal Article
In: EFSA Journal, vol. 16, no. S1, pp. e160813, 2018.
Abstract | Links | Tags: chemical hazards, microbiological hazards, risk ranking, risk thermometer
@article{https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2018.e160813,
title = {Risk ranking of chemical and microbiological hazards in food},
author = {T Langerholc and R Lindqvist and S Sand},
url = {https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2018.e160813},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2018.e160813},
year = {2018},
date = {2018-01-01},
journal = {EFSA Journal},
volume = {16},
number = {S1},
pages = {e160813},
abstract = {Abstract Risk ranking is a versatile tool used to prioritise activities performed by public health regulatory bodies. It also allows efficient communication between all stakeholders in the process of risk analysis. However, risk ranking methods are still not optimal. Because of the different approaches employed in the risk assessment of microbiological agents and chemicals, it is difficult to rank them together using the same metrics. In our work, we first discuss differences and commonalities between chemical and microbiological risk assessment to provide a starting point for consideration of a common risk ranking platform. In the second part, we perform risk ranking of contaminants and regulated chemicals using the recently developed Risk Thermometer tool. In this approach, chemicals are not ranked solely on the basis of the margin of exposure between a reference value and the exposure, but also by considering the severity of the critical health effects used. The results show that ranking using both methods provides different results from the use of either method alone. Overall, specific chemical groups (i.e. heavy metals, pesticides, etc.) do not generally rank higher or lower, but individual compounds are scattered in the rankings from low to high. Risk ranking methods demand further development to gain wide acceptability and recognition.},
keywords = {chemical hazards, microbiological hazards, risk ranking, risk thermometer},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Abstract Risk ranking is a versatile tool used to prioritise activities performed by public health regulatory bodies. It also allows efficient communication between all stakeholders in the process of risk analysis. However, risk ranking methods are still not optimal. Because of the different approaches employed in the risk assessment of microbiological agents and chemicals, it is difficult to rank them together using the same metrics. In our work, we first discuss differences and commonalities between chemical and microbiological risk assessment to provide a starting point for consideration of a common risk ranking platform. In the second part, we perform risk ranking of contaminants and regulated chemicals using the recently developed Risk Thermometer tool. In this approach, chemicals are not ranked solely on the basis of the margin of exposure between a reference value and the exposure, but also by considering the severity of the critical health effects used. The results show that ranking using both methods provides different results from the use of either method alone. Overall, specific chemical groups (i.e. heavy metals, pesticides, etc.) do not generally rank higher or lower, but individual compounds are scattered in the rankings from low to high. Risk ranking methods demand further development to gain wide acceptability and recognition.
2016
Bronzwaer S; Gourierec N L; Koulouris S
Editorial: The European Food Risk Assessment Fellowship Programme (EU-FORA) Journal Article
In: EFSA Journal, vol. 14, no. 11, pp. e14111, 2016.
Links | Tags:
@article{https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2016.e14111,
title = {Editorial: The European Food Risk Assessment Fellowship Programme (EU-FORA)},
author = {Stef Bronzwaer and Nicoline Le Gourierec and Stylianos Koulouris},
url = {https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2016.e14111},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2016.e14111},
year = {2016},
date = {2016-01-01},
journal = {EFSA Journal},
volume = {14},
number = {11},
pages = {e14111},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}