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Scientific and technological developments Printable version |  Last update on
22.04.2016
Scientific research underpins the development of new knowledge concerning the dangers and risks in the food chain, the drafting and refinement of standards and the design of new products or processes that form part of the food chain. New or improved diagnostic methods, as well as new methods for the prevention or treatment of diseases, are also emerging from scientific research. Knowledge is growing rapidly at both national and international level. Applying these developments to policy represents a major challenge. The opinions of the Scientific Committee, the Higher Health Council, the BFSA and other foreign agencies are an important source of science-based information. These opinions are therefore closely monitored by BFSA experts.
In the field of disease prevention and control, early detection and identification of emerging diseases remains a huge challenge, both for animals and plants farmed for food. Automated molecular detection, multiplex PCR and next generation sequencing (NGS) techniques will play a very important role, alongside vigilance by all field FFBO’s and the application of new biosafety concepts. We expect to gain knowledge on the risks of emerging infectious animal and plant diseases and vectors, as well as the risk of transmission of zoonotic pathogens and antimicrobial-resistant genes to humans via the food chain. New vaccines (markers) and antivirals are in development and will no doubt be integrated into a pioneering policy on animal diseases.
In the field of microbial food safety, new molecular detection and typing techniques are becoming routine diagnostic methods, allowing faster and more reliable detection of sources of bacterial and viral contamination of foodstuffs. The development of a Belgian and European database of food pathogen molecular profiles is a major step forward in the rapid identification of infection clusters. Suitable detection methods for new strains of emerging microbiological threats, such as the human pathogen E. coli, will be developed. Specific visions will have to be developed for the risks associated with new eating habits (such as insect-based foods) and these will have to be incorporated into the policy.
Chemical threat analysis methods are becoming increasingly rapid and accurate. The challenge is to interpret the toxicological and biological relevance of traces of contaminants and residues. Further advances are expected in the development of multi-analyte methods and rapid detection methods for residues and contaminants, which can be used directly in the field. Nanoparticle identification techniques are in full development. These techniques can shed new light on the characteristics of foodstuffs. Sophisticated chemical tests will detect migrant components (endocrine disruptors) from packaging materials, etc. Other toxic metabolites from moulds or other as yet unknown process contaminants will probably be discovered in the food chain. |
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