Providing science-based guidance on microbial issues for more efficient food safety systems
Task Force Information
Objectives
The Task Force aims at facilitating the development of harmonised, science-based approaches to predict and prevent risks. Those approaches may serve as decision-making support for regulators and food industry. Reviewing the existing knowledge on current and (re-)emerging pathogen behaviour and ecology is also key.
The Task Force will also try to answer the reason why the pathogens persist by detecting and typing methods, as well as reviewing potential control options available.
Task Force Members
Dr Anett Winkler – Chair | Cargill | Food Safety Advisor | DE |
Dr Christophe Dufour – Vice-Chair | Institut Mérieux (bioMérieux Industry) | Scientific Director Microbiology | FR |
Prof. Marcel Zwietering – Co-Chair | University of Wageningen | Professor | NL |
Dr Polly Courtney | General Mills | Food Safety Technical Team Manager | US |
Dr Intisar Khan | Mondelēz International | Global Food Safety Programs Director | UK |
Dr Rob Limburn | Campden BRI | Group Manager, Industrial Process Microbiology | UK |
Dr Konrad Korzeniowski | ILSI Europe | Scientific Project Manager | BE |
* Scientific Advisors
Contact Information
For more detailed information, please contact Konrad Korzeniowski at kkorzeniowski@ilsieurope.be
Activity Overview
Microbiological risk-based decision tool for use of dried spices and herbs, dried vegetables, and dried fruits in foods - Ongoing -
Objectives
Expert group on Microbiological risk-based decision tool for use of dried spices and herbs, dried vegetables, and dried fruits in foods. The objective is to identify the microbiological hazards associated with dried spices, herbs, vegetables, and fruits. Provide a review of the current state of knowledge regarding the incidence and prevalence of foodborne pathogens in dried spices, vegetables, and fruits and how they get contaminated.
Expert Groups
Microbiological risk-based decision tool for use of dried spices and herbs, dried vegetables, and dried fruits in foods
Background and Objectives
Expert group on Microbiological risk-based decision tool for use of dried spices and herbs, dried vegetables, and dried fruits in foods. The objective is to identify the microbiological hazards associated with dried spices, herbs, vegetables, and fruits. Provide a review of the current state of knowledge regarding the incidence and prevalence of foodborne pathogens in dried spices, vegetables, and fruits and how they get contaminated.
Output
This activity will result in a developing a practical risk-based decision tool for the use of dried spices, herbs, vegetables, and fruits for food safety and research & development professionals, including food industry examples.
Expert Group Members
Dr Heidy den Besten – Chair | Wageningen University and Research | Associate professor | NL |
Prof. Linda Harris – Co-Chair | University of Californis - Davis | Professor | US |
Prof. Jennifer Acuff | University of Arkansas | Assistant Professor of Food Microbiology and Safety | US |
Dr Polly Courtney – Vice-Chair | General Mills | Quality & Regulatory Operations | US |
Dr Rob Limburn | Campden BRI | Group Manager, Industrial Process Microbiology | UK |
Dr Francois Bourdichon | Catholic University of the Sacred Heart | Researcher | IT |
Dr Christophe Dufour | Institut Mérieux (BioMérieux Industry) | Scientific Director Microbiology | FR |
Dr Intisar Khan | Mondelēz International | Global Food Safety Programs Director | UK |
Prof. Dr Andreja Rajkovic | University of Ghent | Professor in Microbial Food Safety | BE |
Dr Anett Winkler | Cargill | Food Safety Advisor | DE |
Dr Konrad Korzeniowski | ILSI Europe | Scientific Project Manager | BE |
Publications
Journal Articles
Relevance of Microbial Finished Product Testing in Food Safety Management
2016
Zero Risk Does Not Exist: Lessons Learned From Microbial Risk Assessment Related to Use of Water and Safety of Fresh Produce
2015
Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety. 2015;14(4):387-410. Commissioned by the Emerging Microbiologal Issues Task Force.
Microbial Hazards in Irrigation Water: Standards, Norms and Testing to Manage Use of Water in Fresh Produce Primary Production
2015
Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety. 2015;14:336-356. Commissioned by the Emerging Microbiological Issues Task Force
The Role of Hazard- and Risk-Based Approaches in Ensuring Food Safety
2015
Trends in Food Science & Technology. 2015;46(2) Part A:176-188. Supported by the following task forces: Emerging Microbiological Issues, Food Allergy, Food Intake Methodology, Novel Foods and Nanotechnology, Process Related Compounds and Natural Toxins, Risk Analysis in Food Microbiology, and Threshold of Toxicological Concern.
‘Omics’ Technologies in Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment
2012
Trends in Food Science & Technology. 2012; 27(1):12-24. Commissioned by the Risk Analysis in Food Microbiology Task Force.
Multimedia
Find here an introductory video:
'Cronobacter in the Spotlight: New Insights Into a Known Organism'
Watch the Webinar
'Processing Environment Monitoring in Low Moisture Foods Production: Setting Up a Meaningful Program'
Watch the Webinar
‘Practical guidance for validation studies: from start to finish’
Watch the Webinar
'Foodborne Viruses: Detection, Risk Assessment, and Control Options in Food Processing’
Watch the Webinar
‘The Integration of Omics in Microbiological Risk Assessment’
Watch the Webinar
‘Assessment of Microbial Risk for Fresh Produce’
Watch the Webinar
‘Relevance of Microbial End-Product Testing in Food Safety Management’
Watch the Webinar
Completed Expert Groups
Overview of completed activities since 2021
-
Environmental Monitoring in Dry production environments – Are we looking for the right thing(s) / microorganism?
-
Process Validation Study Protocols for Control Measures of Foodborne Pathogens in Foods