WGS in food safety on EFSA agenda

The use of whole genome sequencing (WGS) of foodborne pathogens will be the subject of a meeting in June.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) said its 20th Scientific Colloquium will take place on 16-17 June in Parma.

Discussions will focus on opportunities and challenges related to the use of WGS methods in food safety in the European Union and how it can contribute to public health protection.

Risk assessors, scientists, policy makers and risk managers in the area of surveillance of foodborne zoonoses are encouraged to attend this Scientific Colloquium, said the agency.

It will be structured in discussion groups, with opening and summarizing plenary sessions. More details on the programme and how to register will be available at a later date.