Strengthening surveillance of and response to foodborne diseases: stage three manual: integrating surveillance data to better understand risks across the food chain

Overview

This publication updates the document published in 2017 entitled “ Strengthening surveillance of and response to foodborne diseases: a practical manual. Stage 3. Integrating surveillance data to better understand risks across the food chain”.

Guidance is provided for countries that are advancing toward integrated food chain surveillance systems. Ways in which different sectors can work together to generate and use information on hazards and exposures along the food chain are described.

Approaches to integration, opportunities for combining data across sectors, and uses of evidence from the food chain to support national decision-making are presented. Contributions of integrated surveillance to risk profiling, control measures, and coordinated actions are outlined.

Updates incorporate consideration of climate and environmental health data, additional examples of integrated surveillance systems, and a typology of integration. A structured approach to tracking antimicrobial resistance along the food chain is described as a potential foundation for broader integrated surveillance, illustrated through a case study on transitioning from pilot activities to sustainable systems. Further updates explain how surveillance data can inform risk management and policy, provide example evaluation questions, and address common challenges and practical solutions for implementation.

An implementation tool is included to help countries assess existing arrangements, identify opportunities for integration, and set priorities for strengthening integrated food chain surveillance systems.