Coronavirus risk to UK consumers via shellfish and crops grown on land treated with sewage sludge - Risk assessment
Risk question: What is the coronavirus risk to UK consumers via shellfish and crops grown on land treated with sewage sludge?
What are the impacts of foodborne pathogens and how can we reduce them?
Foodborne pathogens such as norovirus, Campylobacter, Listeria, Salmonella and Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) cause approximately 2.4 million cases of disease in the UK population and impose an annual cost to society equivalent to £9.1 billion every year.
The overarching aim of this Area of Research Interest (ARI) is to empower the FSA to make policy decisions about microbiological foodborne disease based on the best evidence available.
We also commission external research to develop and refine tools and approaches, for example the development or optimisation of diagnostic tests or quantitative models. Research requirements are identified via an internal programme steering group and are informed by issues raised by the Advisory Committee on the Microbiological Safety of Food and the FSA’s Foodborne Disease Policy Framework. Research outputs are used to inform risk assessments and technical advice, to inform policy decisions and to evaluate the performance of changes to policy.
Important
Research projects related to the programme
Qualitative risk assessment on the risk of food or food contact materials as a transmission route for SARS-CoV-2
Risk question: What is the risk of food, food contact materials, or food packaging being a source or transmission route of SARS-CoV-2 for UK consumers?
The Burden of Foodborne Disease in the UK 2018
This Report contains the results of a five year programme to build a Cost of Illness (COI) model, which for the first time allows us to estimate the burden of foodborne illness in the UK.
Foodborne Disease Estimates for the United Kingdom in 2018
This paper includes the Foodborne Disease Estimation Model (FDEM), developed by analysts at the FSA to provide annual estimates for the burden of foodborne disease in the UK.
Technical Report: Review of Quantitative Risk Assessment of foodborne norovirus transmission
An internal FSA review of the Norovirus Attribution Study (NoVAS)
Norovirus Attribution Study
Assessing the contribution made by the food chain to the burden of UK-acquired norovirus infection
A critical review of microbiological colonisation of nano- and microplastics (NMPs) and their significance to the food chain
This project will critically review the science literature to determine the diversity of microorganisms that colonise nano and microplastics (NMPs), the key pathways these microbiologically contaminated plastics can enter the food chain and the risk that they pose to human health. This review will also consider antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and biofilm formation.
Campylobacter data gathering survey
This report contains the results of a three-month data gathering project, in which major retailers were subject to a microbiological survey of campylobacter contamination in fresh whole UK-produced chilled chickens at retail sale.
A microbiological survey of campylobacter contamination in fresh whole UK-produced chilled chickens at retail sale (Y2/3/4)
This survey follows on from the 2014/15 survey examining fresh, whole UK-produced chickens sold at retail. The survey again looks at prevalence and levels of campylobacter contamination both on the chicken skin and on the outside of the packaging.
Thermal Inactivation Model for Hepatitis E Virus (HEV)
This project will produce a mathematical model to predict the thermal stringency, in terms of time and temperature combinations, needed to inactivate hepatitis E virus (HEV) typically found in different matrices, including foods such as pork and pork products, water and blood.
Workshop on the Hepatitis E (HEV) virus technical report
Scientists, clinicians and policy advisors from EU member states took part in a workshop in March 2018 to encourage cooperation among countries in science and policy-making relating to HEV.
Campylobacter proficiency testing scheme for food laboratories testing for industry
A scheme has been introduced to assess the capability of individual food laboratories in performing Campylobacter spp. detection and enumeration test methodologies.
Descriptive analysis of the results of the monitoring programme for Campylobacter in broiler flocks and broiler carcases in the UK
This programme aims to identify Campylobacter contamination and production practices within the UK broiler population to potentially target ways to controlling Campylobacter in slaughterhouses.
Reducing Campylobacter cross-contamination during poultry processing
This project studied how Campylobacter is transferred from live birds to carcasses during processing in slaughterhouses. The study also looked into methods for reducing this cross-contamination, and reviewed methods of disinfection.
E. coli O157 super-shedding in cattle and mitigation of human risk
Research investigating E. coli O157 high level excretion (super-shedding) from cattle and the threat it poses to human health across Scotland, England and Wales.
Systematic review of the relative proportion of foodborne disease caused by food preparation or handling within the home
Through a systematic review, this project looks to establish the relative proportion of foodborne disease cases caused by food preparation and handling practices in the home.
Alternative E. coli O157 control measures to the use of separate complex equipment
We commissioned a research project to determine whether there are effective E. coli controls alternative to the use of separate complex equipment.
An evaluation of the effectiveness of E. coli cross-contamination guidance
We commissioned a research project to determine the awareness and understanding of the guidance among food businesses and local authorities in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Study determining the BactoScan conversion factor for the United Kingdom
The background, approach, results and research reports for a study determining the BactoScan conversion factor for the UK.
Exploring the joint analysis of routine data and pathogen genomic datasets in the investigation of outbreaks of gastrointestinal infection
This project used expert review of foodborne pathogen outbreak case studies to investigate the integration of pathogen genomic sequence data with other datasets in incident and outbreak investigations. The work identified benefits of such an approach and issues/barriers. Some of the findings support implementation while others could guide further research
An appraisal of the efficacy and feasibility of rapid, on-farm test methods for the detection of campylobacter
This project assessed the feasibility of using available immuno- and nucleic acid-based detection methodologies including lateral flow devices, an immuno biosensor, a loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay and real time Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays on farm, for the detection of Campylobacter.
Evaluation of the risk assessment based procedures for setting the UK target to reduce campylobacter in chickens
In 2010, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) published a target to reduce the levels of Campylobacter in UK-produced fresh chicken. The target was informed by a mathematical model to estimate levels of Campylobacter through the broiler supply chain. The model was found fit for purpose, however, some improvements could be made.
Development of a screening protocol for ESBLs in food
The aim of this work was to develop and validate phenotypic and molecular methods for isolation, detection and partial characterisation of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing Enterobacteriaceae in selected food matrices.
Efficacy and Practicality of Lactic Acid Solutions, Ozonated Water, and Cold Plasma for Campylobacter Reduction
This project gathered and reviewed existing data on interventions to reduce Campylobacter contamination in poultry slaughterhouses. The information gained from this was used to carry out preliminary and full scale trials. It also provided data that would be required for submission to request approval for their use within the EU.
Efficacy, practicality, and costs of using currently available intervention methods to reduce campylobacter contamination in slaughterhouses
This project gathered and reviewed existing data, including unpublished work, on interventions that could be used in future poultry processing, to reduce levels of Campylobacter.