Recent changes in European Union plant health regulations require diagnostic laboratories to obtain ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation for all tests on regulated pests conducted under official controls. However, meeting all requirements of this standard is challenging due to the vast number of pest, host, and matrix combinations that require test validation and proficiency testing. In plant virology, adopting a risk-based systems approach to validation can help to meet ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation requirements. This approach acknowledges that workflows, which may consist of single or multiple tests, are used for the detection and identification of specific viruses, viroids, and phytoplasmas. For each test within a workflow, validation is determined through a risk analysis based on its specific purpose, and the entire diagnostic process is validated through the combination of tests. This approach could fit within the definition of a “flexible scope” as defined by the European co-operation for Accreditation. When combined with diagnostic expertise and contextual understanding in plant health diagnostics, as well as proficiency testing at the method level, this approach improves overall diagnostic proficiency in a cost-effective way and may facilitate accreditation and compliance with plant health regulations in the European Union. [Formula: see text] The author(s) have dedicated the work to the public domain under the Creative Commons CC0 “No Rights Reserved” license by waiving all of his or her rights to the work worldwide under copyright law, including all related and neighboring rights, to the extent allowed by law, 2026.

The labelling of dairy products in the European Union is governed by a multi-layered legal framework combining horizontal food information rules, sector-specific market standards, hygiene requirements, and origin-related obligations. This article analyses the principal legislative requirements applicable to the labelling of milk and dairy products, with particular attention to mandatory food information, allergen communication, reserved dairy names, origin labelling, and the legal relevance of the concept of the primary ingredient. The article further examines recurring non-compliances identified in official control outputs across several EU Member States, particularly in the areas of undeclared milk allergens, incomplete mandatory particulars, misleading presentation, and origin-related ambiguity. The analysis is based on a qualitative review of EU legislation, official interpretative materials, and public outputs of competent authorities. The findings suggest that the legal framework itself is comprehensive, but practical compliance remains uneven due to the operational complexity of dairy supply chains, the legal sensitivity of dairy designations, and difficulties in implementing origin-related rules. The article concludes with recommendations for food business operators to strengthen compliance, traceability, and consumer protection in the dairy sector.

This study examines the effect of multifaceted interventions based on education (1) and recognition (2) of compliance with standard precautions (SPs). A quasi-experimental research design with a one-group pre-test and post-test was used. The purposive sample included 71 nurses working in different specialty units at a large hospital in Turkey. The researchers developed multifaceted interventions informed by existing literature, data from the hospital, and insights from frontline experts, including nurses, ward managers, infection control officers, and health and safety officers. Initially, modifications were implemented in the physical environment of the clinics, and material deficiencies were addressed. In the subsequent phase, nurses engaged in an educational session focused on SPs. The nurses completed the Compliance with Standard Precaution Scale (CSPS) three times, including baseline (before the intervention, T0), third month after the intervention (T1), and sixth month after the intervention (T2). Nurses' median compliance with SPs was significantly higher at T2 (15.8 ± 3.42) than at T0 (13.7 ± 3.16, p < 0.05). The multifaceted interventions comprising structured education and recognition enhanced the compliance with SPs of clinical nurses.

A qualitative screening method for 17 coccidiostats in eggs and animal muscle by QuEChERS-UPLC-MS/MS validated according to Regulation (EU) 2021/808.

Animal welfare has evolved from an ethical principle into a binding operational standard within the European Union (EU) agri-food system. Based on a documentary analysis combining legal and veterinary sources, this short communication examines how EU law integrates welfare requirements into food safety, trade, and official controls. The findings highlight three outcomes: the institutionalization of welfare as a trade condition; its judicial recognition as a legitimate public interest; and the expansion of the veterinarian's mandate as a translator of legal norms into measurable procedures. The analysis also explores the ethical and human-rights dimensions of welfare governance, where freedom of religion and animal protection coexist under EU and World Trade Organization law. These developments demonstrate how veterinarians, as both technical and institutional actors, contribute to the effective implementation of EU welfare principles within a sustainability-oriented global market.

Internal audit has an important role in aiding a firm to achieve its objective when it is implemented, operated, and managed effectively. Business organizations which effectively implemented, operated and managed internal auditing were better able to identify their business risks and system inefficiencies for the sake of taking corrective actions and improvement in the process. The study used purposive sampling method and covered the three district offices of commercial banks found at Mekelle city and some branches under supervision of same. The study adopted mixed research method by employing quantitative and qualitative research methods. The quantitative research method used through 60 usable self-administered questionnaires and 6 interviews for management bodies. These questionnaires were constructed and distributed to internal auditors and control officers of the district and branch offices, and analyzed using STATA statistical software. The qualitative research method used through personal interview with Heads/supervisors of internal audit and administrative bodies. Competence of the respondents generally perceive internal auditors as having adequate professional knowledge and educational backgrounds; quality of the internal audit function's independence is in good way; management support is perceived as moderate; and Senior management usually backs internal audit functions, but there are clear gaps in staffing, training, and resources. Banks should prioritize recruiting internal auditors with backgrounds in accounting and finance or ensure that auditors from other disciplines receive intensive auditing and accounting training. This will improve technical competence and audit quality.

Vitamin B1 (thiamine), D2 (ergocalciferol), and D3 (cholecalciferol) are essential nutrients in animal diets, critical for health and the maintenance of physiological processes. Deficiencies or excesses can lead to severe health issues, necessitating reliable quantification methods for quality control, label claim compliance, and safety assurance in the pet food industry. The aim of this study was to extend and validate AOAC Official Methods 2015.14 (for vitamin B1) and 2016.05 (for vitamins D2 and D3) to animal feed matrices using LC-MS/MS in a single-laboratory study. Thiamine was extracted via enzymatic digestion with acid phosphatase, while vitamins D2 and D3 were extracted using saponification, followed by liquid-liquid extraction. The methods were validated for cat kibble, dog kibble, and wet dog feed, demonstrating high sensitivity (limits of detection: 0.018 ng/mL for B1, 0.005 ng/mL for D2 and D3; limits of quantification: 0.06 ng/mL for B1, 0.016 ng/mL for D2, 0.018 ng/mL for D3), excellent linearity (R2 = 0.997-0.999), and acceptable recoveries (88-115%). Quantification revealed vitamin B1 concentrations exceeding the Association of American Feed Control Officials minimum recommendations, with the lowest at 8.99 mg/kg on a dry matter basis (DMB) in wet dog food. Vitamin D levels were within recommended ranges, with the lowest in cat kibble at 18.13 µg/kg DMB for vitamin D3, while vitamin D2 contributed minimally to total vitamin D, at 0.27 µg/kg DMB. The AOAC Official Methods 2015.14 and 2016.05 were suitable for the analysis of vitamins B1 and vitamins D2/D3, respectively, in cat kibble, dog kibble, and wet dog food. These results support the utility of the methods for routine analysis of animal feeds to verify label claims, nutritional adequacy, and safety.

This study comprehensively examines the implementation of Prerequisite Programs (PRPs) and the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) flexibility approach in small and medium-sized food enterprises (SMEs) within the context of legislation implemented in the European Union (EU) and Türkiye. Based on the guidance documents and communications issued by the European Commission and the legal framework in force in Türkiye, the audit, implementation, and evaluation aspects of flexibility applied without undermining HACCP principles are examined. The study examines the role of PRPs and Operational Prerequisite Programs (OPRPs) controls in ensuring food safety in enterprises, determining whether Critical Control Points (CCPs) are limited or not possible; furthermore, it emphasizes the need for a standardized assessment approach to ensure uniformity in implementation during official controls. Based on literature findings and legislative analysis, it was concluded that the HACCP flexibility approach is a feasible and effective model for ensuring food safety in SMEs. It was further concluded that the approach of strengthening PRPs and OPRPs instead of CCPs, aligning the documentation burden with the capacity of the enterprise, and basing audits on actual practices contributes to the sustainable development of food safety culture. In order to better understand the flexibility provisions published in EC 852/2004, EC 853/2004, and other relevant directives/guidelines in Türkiye, and to utilize them in conjunction with sectoral good hygiene practice guides, a control checklist and implementation guide based on the HACCP Flexibility Approach was prepared. Some of these documents were included in this study, and initiatives have been undertaken to share them with the official authority.

The purpose of this paper is to examine the extent of regulatory compliance regarding green zones in urban centers within a postcolonial context in promoting health and well-being in Lokoja metropolis and other developing countries while targeting all stakeholders and users. This study employs proportional random sampling to collect data by administering 140 structured questionnaires, yielding a valid response rate of 120 (72%). Additionally, physical observations of green zone areas were conducted for assessment, along with a review of published literature. SPSS was utilized for the descriptive and inferential analysis of the data, while thematic analysis was used for data collected through physical observations. The findings indicate that the lack of stronger regulatory control in postcolonial urban centers has led to the conversion of green-zone areas for alternative uses. This research was conducted in Lokoja municipality, one of the first administrative seats of the colonial governor-general. But the findings can be applied to similar cities and developing countries with post-colonial compliance regulatory issues. This study suggests that urban development control should establish stronger regulatory frameworks with penalties for non-compliance to preserve the original purpose of green zone areas, established during the colonial period. Moreover, the findings emphasize the necessity for robust legislation for urban control officials, building developers, and those involved in construction and city planning in developing countries, focusing on sustainable stakeholder engagement to ensure adequate compliance with green zone regulations.

European Union (EU) and Italian legislation provide extensive control measures for non-typhoidal (NTS) Salmonella along the poultry production chain; however, a regulatory gap persists for fresh poultry meat. Current EU microbiological criteria apply only to NTS serotypes of major public health significance ("relevant"), whereas the management of other NTS serotypes ("non-relevant") is not harmonized. This study assessed the risk management strategies adopted by official veterinarians following the detection of non-relevant serotypes in fresh poultry meat at the distribution stage. Relevant EU and Italian legislation were analyzed, and operational practices in Italy were investigated through a structured questionnaire administered to local health units. In addition, EU-level approaches were examined through the analysis of Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) notifications. The results revealed substantial heterogeneity in the management of comparable findings at both the national and EU levels, reflecting regulatory ambiguities and broad discretionary powers of competent authorities, thereby complicating the implementation of consistent and proportionate official controls. This variability is further challenged by the increasing epidemiological relevance of certain non-relevant serotypes, particularly S. Infantis. The study highlights the need for a revision and harmonization of the regulatory framework to support consistent and proportionate official control practices while ensuring a high level of consumer protection.

BackgroundAntimicrobial resistance is a leading cause of death worldwide, with the highest burdens in low-resource settings. Antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASP) are coordinated interventions designed to improve and measure the appropriate use of antimicrobials. In December 2020, the Ministry of Health of Chile mandated that all hospitals in the country implement an ASP, but there has been little rigorous, comparable information on the prevalence and types of ASP activities currently occurring in Chilean hospitals, which is critical for infection control officials and health decision-makers.ObjectivesWe aimed to assess the current degree of implementation of ASPs in Chilean public hospitals using a web-based survey.ResultsOf 66 responses, 57 hospitals (86.4%) reported having an ASP and were used as the denominator in the analyses. Among them, 39 (68.4%) reported having a written institutional protocol. On average, the hospitals performed seven antimicrobial optimization activities (range 1–9). For hospitals that have WHO Reserve group antibiotics, use authorization was almost universally required (90.9% to 100%). Prospective audit and feedback was performed in 64.9% of the institutions. Seventeen hospitals (29.8%) did not measure their antibiotic consumption. The median ASP implementation survey score was 68.4 points (ranging from 30.7 to 96.5).ConclusionThese findings show a variable implementation of ASP activities in Chilean hospitals and provide the necessary information to establish the baseline for the implementation of ASPs in hospitals in Chile.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13756-026-01703-0.

This study evaluated the nutritional adequacy of commercial dog and cat foods in South Korea by comparing analytically determined nutrient contents with recommended nutrient levels of the National Institute of Animal Science (NIAS) and the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). A total of 96 pet food products for puppies (n = 50), adult dogs (n = 18), kittens (n = 17), and adult cats (n = 11) were collected. Nutrients, including crude protein, crude fat, essential amino acids, essential fatty acids, major minerals, and selected trace nutrients, were analyzed using accredited methods stipulated by the Korean Feed Control Act and compared with NIAS and AAFCO recommendations. Most adult dog and cat diets met recommended nutrient levels; however, deficiencies were identified in diets intended for growth. Puppy foods showed inadequate levels of eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids (EPA + DHA, 72%), calcium (22%), and phosphorus (42%), as well as imbalanced calcium-to-phosphorus ratios (12%). In kitten diets, insufficient EPA + DHA (41.2%) and taurine (11.8%) were observed. In contrast, 82.3% of products met label-declared guaranteed analysis values for seven mandatory nutrients. These results provide baseline information on the nutritional adequacy and labeling compliance of pet foods across different life stages.

Animal welfare is a key component of sustainable poultry production and is routinely monitored through official veterinary inspections. The aim of this study was to determine the level of welfare compliance among different poultry species and production categories, to compare compliance levels across these groups, and to assess long-term trends using official inspection data. The study was based on the results of supervisory inspections conducted by veterinary inspectors in poultry farms in the Czech Republic between 2016 and 2024. Welfare compliance was evaluated in laying hens, broiler chickens, turkeys, ducks, and geese using a standardized system of welfare assessment checkpoints applied during official controls. Inspections were classified as compliant or non-compliant based on the presence or absence of deficiencies, and overall compliance levels were calculated as the proportion of animals kept in farms with compliant inspections. Across the entire study period, the proportion of poultry kept in farms with compliant inspections ranged from 82.8% to 98.4%, with the highest compliance level observed in turkeys, followed by ducks and broiler chickens, while the lowest compliance level was recorded in geese. Differences among poultry species and categories were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Comparison of two time periods (2016-2018 and 2022-2024) revealed significant improvements in compliance for broiler chickens, ducks, and geese, whereas significant declines were observed for laying hens and turkeys (p < 0.001). These results demonstrate clear differences in welfare compliance among poultry species and categories and indicate that compliance trends over time are not uniform across the poultry sector. Official veterinary inspection data provide a valuable tool for large-scale assessment of welfare compliance and for identifying poultry sectors that may benefit from targeted welfare improvement measures.

The COVID-19 pandemic revealed critical gaps in preparedness and response capacities globally. These gaps were evident in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, as the region faces unique challenges due to ongoing humanitarian crises, political instability and large-scale religious gatherings, which further exacerbate the risk of spread of infectious diseases.In April 2024, a conference hosted by the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention MENA Regional Office and National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, in collaboration with the Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, brought together 200 scientists and public health professionals from 16 countries to discuss lessons learnt from the COVID-19 pandemic and strategies to strengthen future preparedness and response. This report presents the key barriers to regional collaboration and data sharing identified during the conference, along with the proposed solutions, including establishing regional collaboration platforms, increasing public-private partnerships, operationalising the one health approach and leveraging technological advances.Reflections on the global pandemic response emphasise the need for improved communication, preparedness extending beyond the health sector and distribution of resources. The collective insights and recommendations in this report aim to provide a roadmap for strengthening emergency preparedness and response in the MENA region and globally, ensuring improved readiness for future public health emergencies.

Summary: Prehospital emergency care, a subspecialty of Emergency Medicine, is primarily provided by the Ambulance Command of the Fire Service Department in Hong Kong. The Government Flying Service also provides emergency care in Hong Kong’s airspace and a significant portion of the South China Sea. As part of the Hospital Authority Accident &amp; Emergency Department response, Medical Control Officers (MCOs) and Emergency Medical Team (EMT) are dispatched to disaster scenes to provide on-site triage, emergency stabilization treatment, and advice on orderly diversions to hospitals. The objectives of this analysis were: • To examine the nature of EMT activations • To analyze the characteristics and outcomes of EMT patients • To analyze the location of accident blackspots in the Tuen Mun District Data were collected retrospectively from the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care database in the Accident and Emergency Department from January 1st, 2011, to December 31st, 2021. All clinical records were reviewed. During the study period, there were 20 episodes of EMT dispatch. Notably, there were no EMT activations in 2012, 2017, and 2018. Most EMT patients were male (90% male, 10% female). The nature of EMT activations was categorized as follows: A. Prolonged rescue with patients entrapped for over 30 minutes: Motor vehicle crashes (45%), Severe industrial accidents (30%), Building collapses (5%). B. No EMT activations were dispatched for Mass Casualty Incidents (MCI). C. Other activations were escorting critically ill cross-border cases (20%). In terms of discharge destination, 70% of patients were admitted to the hospital, while 30% unfortunately resulted in death. Maintaining vigilance and continuous training for the Emergency Medical Team (EMT) is essential, especially considering the small and uneven yearly numbers. Regarding the clinical training of EMTs, multiple government departments implemented preventive measures for black spots in motor vehicle collisions (MVCs), e.g., improving road infrastructure.

Summary: Parental presence is a critical element in pediatric care, providing emotional support that can significantly enhance a child’s well-being. However, in cases involving High-Consequence Infectious Diseases (HCIDs), this need must be carefully weighed against infection control imperatives to prevent pathogen transmission. This tabletop exercise, titled “Parental Presence During Pediatric HCID Care,” was developed to simulate and address the complex, real-world decision-making that healthcare providers face when balancing these needs in high-stakes environments. Designed for a small team consisting of three participants—representing a pediatric healthcare provider, an Infection Control Officer, and a Parent—and three facilitator presenters, this exercise introduces a scenario in which a young child with a suspected HCID is in isolation, and the parent is distressed and requesting bedside access. Through structured discussion and guided role-play, participants explore initial considerations for allowing or restricting parental presence, assess risks, and develop a preliminary action plan that balances infection prevention with family-centered care. The drill provides an immersive learning experience that highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and clear communication in HCID care, encouraging participants to examine practical measures (e.g., PPE, restricted visitation, virtual communication) and ethical challenges (e.g., the psychological needs of both child and parents). This phase concludes with a facilitated debrief, allowing participants to reflect on their decisions and insights gained. Presented as an interactive tabletop, this exercise would offer conference attendees a hands-on opportunity to engage with and refine strategies for family-centered care within infection control constraints, fostering an understanding of best practices that can be adapted across healthcare settings.

Accidental trace 131I skin contamination resulted in an intake to a veterinary nuclear medicine technician at Colorado State University (CSU). The resulting dose to the technician was determined through an in-vivo measurement of radioactivity in the thyroid. Inhalation and ingestion of the isotope were ruled out due to the chemical nature of the 131I, as determined by a previous study. The CSU Radiation Control Office performed measurements of the technician's thyroid daily and then weekly to quantify the uptake [2.2 kBq (60.1 nCi)] as well as the effective half-life of 131I (7.61 days) for the technician. Establishing a technician-specific effective half-life by graphing in-vivo measurements also showed near agreement with established effective half-life determinations specified in ICRP 30 for inhalation. The university assessed the committed dose equivalent (CDE) to the thyroid using three different methods and assigned a the highest CDE calculated (4.1 mSv), and an SDE of 0.22 mSv from external contamination. The average of the CDE calculated via each method was 3.68 ± 0.38 mSv. A comparison of the 3 thyroid dose calculation methods resulted in a 10% coefficient of variation. Close agreement between the various calculations demonstrates that any of these methods would be sufficient in determining a committed effective dose to the thyroid, while providing a level of confidence to the technician that the determination is accurate and appropriate. A key aspect of this report is how even trace amounts of radioiodine on intact skin can result in measurable doses.

Introduction In Sweden, 15-20% of the 289,000 dairy cows are housed in tie-stalls. Since cows typically lie down for 8–16 hours a day, lying comfort is a key aspect of animal welfare. Hard or poorly maintained surfaces can lead to discomfort, injuries, lameness and soiling. It is the animal welfare inspectors of the County Administrative Boards who carry out official controls to ensure that the animal welfare regulations concerning the cows’ lying areas are complied with by dairy producers. This study was conducted to investigate whether animal welfare inspectors apply a consistent approach when assessing bedding material for dairy cows in tie-stalls, and whether their previous experience of inspecting tie-stalls influences these assessments. Methods Using three photographs and accompanying brief information about the situation that prevailed at the moment, the inspectors assessed cleanliness in lying areas, dryness, and adaptation to the animals and barn environment, in accordance with the checklists and guidelines developed on the basis of the animal welfare legislation. Results and discussion The results indicate divergent assessments among the 89 respondents, particularly regarding bedding quality, quantity, and lying area comfort. Assessments were especially challenging when bedding was limited or when rubber mats were present. Statistically significant differences were found between inspectors’ assessments and their levels of experience, measured by years of service, and the number of official controls conducted. However, these differences were scattered, suggesting that experience explains only part of the variability and that other factors or random variation may also contribute. This inconsistency can result in uneven enforcement of legal requirements and foster a sense of unfairness among producers. Achieving consensus in assessments among inspectors is essential not only for ensuring compliance with animal welfare legislation but also for maintaining fairness and trust in the official animal welfare control system.

Digital technologies offer opportunities to transform the way we conduct official food safety control, shaping a future that increases its value through greater effectiveness, consistency and transparency. Traditionally, the data collection during inspections has been paper-based. However, we do not know to what extent control authorities already use a digital environment during inspections. Considering the benefits of using such an environment, this study aims to assess the use of a digital environment during on-site inspections in the retail sector in Spain. A survey was administered among regional and municipal authorities. A total of 26 authorities responded to the survey, 34.6% of which use a digital environment. Of these, the main reason for the use of such an environment was the standardisation of data collection during inspections. The most frequently mentioned result was the reduction of paperwork. The automatic generation of inspection reports based on templates was the most indicated process carried out through such an environment. Of the authorities that do not use a digital environment (65.4%), the reasons for not using such an environment most indicated were technological limitations, lack of budget and specialised staff. The results show that authorities mostly do not use a digital environment during inspections, but there is significant interest in using it. There are still opportunities to harness the potential of technology and drive change to protect health equally at the national level.

Objective: The present study analyzed the influence of remote work on governmental control at the General Comptroller's Office of the Republic of Peru during the period 2024–2025, with the aim of generating empirical evidence on the organizational factors that affect the effectiveness of public control in contexts of the State's digital transformation. Methodology: A quantitative research study was conducted, with a non-experimental and cross-sectional design, involving a sample of 500 public servants. Data collection was carried out using a structured questionnaire with a Likert scale, whose validity and reliability were previously verified. For hypothesis testing, a multiple linear regression model with 95% BCa bootstrap was employed. Results: The global model proved significant and exhibited a high explanatory capacity (R² ≈ 0.53), confirming that remote work influenced governmental control; at a specific level, technological infrastructure did not show a significant effect, while digital tools, information security, and change management presented positive and significant effects, with the latter being the dimension of greatest relative weight. Conclusions: The effectiveness of governmental control in remote work environments primarily depended on organizational capabilities, digital security, and change management, rather than isolated technological infrastructure; the findings provided empirical evidence for the modernization of public control, guided institutional decision-making in contexts of state digitalization, and opened future research avenues thru longitudinal designs and the incorporation of mediation and moderation variables.