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Book (stand-alone)Technical studyApplications of Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) in food safety management 2016
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No results found.Recent advances in Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) technology have the potential to play a significant role in the area of food safety. WGS provides rapid identification and characterization of microorganisms, including antimicrobial resistance (AMR), with a level of precision not previously possible. With the rapidly declining cost of this technology, WGS applications in food safety management, including the opportunities it provides for enhanced integration of information from other sectors, suc h as human and animal health, could contribute to enhanced consumer protection, trade facilitation, nutrition and food security. However, the level of understanding of the concepts and potential use of WGS in food safety management vary among countries. This document aims to take the first steps in addressing these gaps, and providing answers to some of the questions which food safety officials (particularly those in developing countries) need to ask and consider if they are to make informed dec isions about WGS and its potential value in food safety management in their context. Four real-life case studies are presented to highlight key benefits and potential drawbacks of WGS in food safety management. Benefits and drawbacks are explained in detail, including the issues related to global data sharing. The document discusses challenges in employing WGS within the regulatory framework in both developed and developing countries, and highlights considerations for countries with limited capa city and resources. A simple exercise to enable developing countries to assess the feasibility of incorporating WGS into national food control systems through a step-by-step approach is described. While WGS can significantly contribute to improving food safety management, it still relies on the appropriate interpretation of laboratory data in the context of epidemiological evidence; WGS alone will not suffice. Despite the challenges, WGS is poised to become standard methodology in some places fo r the identification and characterization of foodborne pathogens. Finding appropriate mechanisms for data sharing will be an important element of its application. In all of this, there is a strong need at the global level to ensure that situations in developing countries are fully taken into account, and that the technology advances in an appropriate direction, in order for WGS to become an effective tool for all. -
MeetingMeeting documentSide Event on the Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) and Food Safety
FAO Rome, Italy. 28 June 2016
2016Also available in:
No results found.On 28 June 2016, FAO/WHO/OIE organized a side event to the 39th Codex Alimentarius Commission at the FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy on Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) and Food Safety. After the official opening by Ms Renata Clarke (FAO) who emphasized the importance of having collaboration among FAO, WHO and OIE to tackle the issues together, the opening presentation was delivered by Ms Sarah Cahill (FAO) to discuss how WGS for food safety can potentially impact the scientific advice and ideas pr ovided to Codex for their work. Ms Amy Cawthorne (WHO), Mr Antonino Caminiti (OIE) and Ms Masami Takeuchi (FAO) then introduced the relevant activities of the respective organizations. During the panel discussions, participants exchanged their views, concerns and expectations to the technology and discussed potential follow up actions for Codex. The meeting was officially closed by Ms Awa Aidara-Kane (WHO). -
Brochure, flyer, fact-sheetBrochureWhole Genome Sequencing (WGS) for food safety 2016
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No results found.Food safety is a global concern (FAO 1996 ) and the current estimated global burden of foodborne disease from microbiological food safety problem and the related social and economic costs remain unacceptably high (WHO 2015 ). Some newly emerging tools that can be useful in managing such food safety problems have become increasingly sophisticated. Yet challenges remain in outbreak investigations, in linking illness to particular foods in ensuring the appropriate products are recalled. WGS is one of such tools that offers great potential for various food safety regulatory activities including food inspection, outbreak detection/investigation and studies on antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Such benefits would significantly contribute to protecting public health and food security as it eventually saves lives and prevents economic losses and food waste from incorrect or imprecise implications of wrong products and commodities. However, while several industrialized countries have been moving forward with WGS for food safety management, its application, particularly in developing and transitional countries, is limited.
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BookletHigh-profileFAO Strategy on Climate Change 2022–2031 2022The FAO Strategy on Climate Change 2022–2031 was endorsed by FAO Council in June 2022. This new strategy replaces the previous strategy from 2017 to better FAO's climate action with the Strategic Framework 2022-2031, and other FAO strategies that have been developed since then. The Strategy was elaborated following an inclusive process of consultation with FAO Members, FAO staff from headquarters and decentralized offices, as well as external partners. It articulates FAO's vision for agrifood systems by 2050, around three main pillars of action: at global and regional level, at country level, and at local level. The Strategy also encourages key guiding principles for action, such as science and innovation, inclusiveness, partnerships, and access to finance.
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Brochure, flyer, fact-sheetBrochureOperationalization of One Health
Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases (ECTAD), Asia and the Pacific region
2023Also available in:
No results found.The operationalization of One Health brochure consists of assessment tools and guidance developed by FAO and partners, which Member Nations can utilize at all levels according to specific needs. This brochure provides information on FAO's available support to enhance One Health implementation in the countries. -
Book (series)FlagshipThe State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2021
Transforming food systems for food security, improved nutrition and affordable healthy diets for all
2021In recent years, several major drivers have put the world off track to ending world hunger and malnutrition in all its forms by 2030. The challenges have grown with the COVID-19 pandemic and related containment measures. This report presents the first global assessment of food insecurity and malnutrition for 2020 and offers some indication of what hunger might look like by 2030 in a scenario further complicated by the enduring effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. It also includes new estimates of the cost and affordability of healthy diets, which provide an important link between the food security and nutrition indicators and the analysis of their trends. Altogether, the report highlights the need for a deeper reflection on how to better address the global food security and nutrition situation.To understand how hunger and malnutrition have reached these critical levels, this report draws on the analyses of the past four editions, which have produced a vast, evidence-based body of knowledge of the major drivers behind the recent changes in food security and nutrition. These drivers, which are increasing in frequency and intensity, include conflicts, climate variability and extremes, and economic slowdowns and downturns – all exacerbated by the underlying causes of poverty and very high and persistent levels of inequality. In addition, millions of people around the world suffer from food insecurity and different forms of malnutrition because they cannot afford the cost of healthy diets. From a synthesized understanding of this knowledge, updates and additional analyses are generated to create a holistic view of the combined effects of these drivers, both on each other and on food systems, and how they negatively affect food security and nutrition around the world.In turn, the evidence informs an in-depth look at how to move from silo solutions to integrated food systems solutions. In this regard, the report proposes transformative pathways that specifically address the challenges posed by the major drivers, also highlighting the types of policy and investment portfolios required to transform food systems for food security, improved nutrition, and affordable healthy diets for all. The report observes that, while the pandemic has caused major setbacks, there is much to be learned from the vulnerabilities and inequalities it has laid bare. If taken to heart, these new insights and wisdom can help get the world back on track towards the goal of ending hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition in all its forms.