Epidemiological aspects in food safety

Abstract

The rapid growth of international trade in food products has resulted in increased hazards from trans-boundary foodborne infections and intoxication. Therefore, the development of multinational surveillance and registration of foodborne diseases or food contamination, of both biological and chemical origin, is of utmost importance for their prevention and control. Recognizing the importance of accurate and adequate epidemiological data for decision making with respect to priorities, resources and management, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched in 1976 the Joint UNEP/FAO/WHO Food Contamination Monitoring Programme (GEMS/Food) and in 1980 the surveillance programme for control of foodborne infections and intoxications in Europe. Although the response of participating countries in both programmes was very positive, many questions have arisen during this period which require further improvements through national and international action. Monitoring and surveillance of food contamination and foodborne infections and intoxications is a multidisciplinary process and requires the active involvement of experts in medical and veterinary food hygiene, food chemistry and epidemiology. Since health risk management with respect to food safety is frequently delegated to different authorities, much better coordination between the sectors is needed in order to improve epidemiological analysis at national and international level. The purpose of this paper is to review the WHO regional programme for prevention and control of foodborne infections and intoxications in the light of accumulated experience and to discuss plans and possibilities for further improvements through national and international action in the 1990s.