Risk Analysis – food safety

The current research program includes the following projects:

• Salmonella surveillance: Ongoing analysis of existing data and other information regarding monitoring of salmonella in pigs. The purpose is to develop a more cost effective surveillance that ensures the same high level of food safety. Amongst others a network-based monitoring system for salmonella in pigs is being developed.
  
  
• Medicine use and resistance to antibiotics: Knowledge on the use of medication and resistance to antibiotics in pig production is being collected, analysed and disseminated. A risk assessment for use of cephalosporins / ESBL in Danish pig production is carried out. Participation in the task group reviewing the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration’s treatment list for pigs. Collaboration with Faculty of LIFE Sciences on a research project to improve methods for monitoring the development of resistance.
  
  
• Food safety in specialised outdoor production: The basic objective of the project is a risk assessment based on a literature review and dialogue with stakeholders through a steering committee. The activity is coordinated with the results of the QUALYSAFE project (Danish Zoonosis Centre).
  
  
• Toxoplasma in processed pork: The aim is to identify and potentially test new methodologies to eliminate the parasite Toxoplasma in non heat-treated, light salted ready-to-eat pork products.
  
  
• Cost-effective monitoring for residues: Analysis of how the existing monitoring system for residues in meat can be made more cost-effective and which methods of analysis should be used. Preparedness plans for findings of residues in meat are evaluated.
  
  
• Optimisation of own-check control systems: Companies will be visited and their own check systems will be checked with the aim of optimisation both regarding effect and costs.
  
  
• Modernisation of Meat Control: Risk assessments regarding a modernisation of meat control in cattle abattoirs (Future Meat Inspection) will be carried out. A follow-up assessment of visual inspection of fatteners at the abattoir may be carried out in combination with the use of food chain information.
  
  
• Risk assessment of Yersinia: Risk assessment of Yersinia in Danish or foreign pig meat as well as non heat-treated meat products (planned for 2011)
  
  
• Campylobacter in chicken meat: Participation in EFSA project regarding characterisation of intervention possibilities against Campylobacter in chicken meat production. Coordinator for an EU-project regarding insect control against Campylobacter and other poultry diseases in broiler houses (AirPath).