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EFSA evaluates molecular typing methods for food-borne pathogens

Posted: 18 December 2013 | European Food Safety Authority | No comments yet

Molecular typing methods are laboratory techniques, such as whole genome sequencing, that enable the classification and comparison of strains of disease-causing bacteria…

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Molecular typing methods are laboratory techniques, such as whole genome sequencing, that enable the classification and comparison of strains of disease-causing bacteria. EFSA’s Panel on Biological Hazards (BIOHAZ) has reviewed the methods for typing the food-borne pathogens Salmonella, Escherichia coli, Listeria and Campylobacter, and has evaluated the effectiveness of these methods for:

  • Detecting and identifying food-borne outbreaks;
  • Estimating the contribution of various sources to food-borne illnesses;
  • Predicting which strains of food-borne pathogens may potentially cause epidemics.

EFSA’s BIOHAZ Panel recommends that public health and veterinary authorities strengthen their cooperation on the use of molecular typing for food-borne pathogens.