News

A new peer-reviewed knowledge paper from SSAFE explores the opportunities, benefits and challenges of using whole genome sequencing (WGS) in food safety.

WGS is increasingly helping public health and regulatory authorities detect foodborne disease outbreaks, identify their sources and distinguish between closely related microorganisms. However, wider industry adoption still depends on overcoming technical, legal, regulatory and reputational concerns, as well as building the expertise needed to interpret results effectively.

The paper highlights broader lessons that are equally relevant to food authenticity: the value of robust analytical evidence, reliable traceability, harmonised approaches and the responsible sharing of data. [Refer also the 2021 Guidance note on NGS applications for food authenticity testing published by Defra’s Authenticity Methodology Working Group.]

Most importantly, it reinforces that complex food-system risks are best addressed through collaboration between industry, regulators, public health bodies and academia.

Read the paper: Whole Genome Sequencing for Food Safety | SSAFE Knowledge Paper

Food fraud is a serious global issue that is inextricably linked to food safety and negatively impacts legitimate food business and consumers. By greater cross-sector, multi-disciplinary and multi-country collaboration, we can be better prepared to fight food fraud.

The FAN Team got together with our colleagues and collaborators to produce ‘An Ode to Food Authenticity’. We hope you enjoy it.

This report contextualises the topic of food fraud across Canada’s agri-food system and presents a novel intervention framework to Deter, Identify and Prosecute (DIP) food fraud.

In this context, deter refers to the strengthening of regulatory and legal deterrents. Identify refers to the
scientific methods to identify food fraud and prosecute refers to the ability to use
the scientific evidence as a basis to prosecute bad actors.

The authors believe that this novel framework captures and integrates the key components which are essential
to reducing the risk of food fraud in Canada.

Read full report.