An introduction to current food safety needs

Abstract

Food safety is embedded in food-related problems, and in proposed solutions. Despite continuous investment, the WHO estimates 23 million cases of foodbome illness and 5000 deaths in Europe every year and Europeans are not confident in the food system. Now, the circular economy aims to improve global food security through sustainable production, thus new ingredients, methods and food safety challenges. Food is unequivocally linked to non-communicable diseases, and changes are needed for nutritional food safety. Emerging and re-emerging foodbome pathogens are changing the epidemiology of foodbome diseases. Additionally, some chemicals are of concern, and food is a major source of human exposure. Finally, risk communication is required for management of consumer-based foodbome hazards, yet this foodbome illness is common. We ignore food safety challenges at our peril as potential consequences of a lapse are huge; keeping the food supply safe is a never-ending task.