Principles and guidelines for incorporating microbiological risk assessment in the development of food safety standards, guidelines and related texts

Overview

The spectrum and prevalence of hazards in the food-chain is subject to constant change. Furthermore, better monitoring and surveillance in recent years has led to a better understanding of the critical importance of microbiological pathogens. Some of the pathogens that are of concern today were not even recognized as causes of foodborne illness just 20 years ago.

Microbiological risk assessment (MRA) is resource-intensive in terms of scientific input and time, and effective incorporation of MRA in the development of food safety standards requires systematic and transparent application of a framework for managing food-borne hazards.