Food dangerous for the consumer in INFOSAN events

Abstract

The goal of the study was to analyze the dependences between food type and year, involvement type and hazard type (adopted as variables) within events of INFOSAN (International Food Safety Authorities Network). The study covered 209 events included in the annual reports for 2011–2015. Cluster analysis and scatterplots were used. Most frequently the following food types were notified: meat and meat products (in 2014), fish and other seafood (2015) and also vegetables and vegetable products, nuts and oilseeds, fruit and fruit products (2011) and milk and dairy products (2012 and 2013). In these products there were usually stated biological hazards and the INFOSAN was directly and significantly involved in events (within coordination). The similar types of dangerous food products notified in the INFOSAN and the European RASFF (Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed) and American RFR (Reportable Food Registry) can point out the possibility of closer cooperation within these systems. The international food flow requires the appropriate conditions in supply chain. Therefore, the attention of consumers should be paid to food from national, regional and local markets.