A new research insight has been published in the Food Control scientific journal: “Development of a digital Net-Map tool to analyse multi-stakeholder networks in risk analysis of emerging food safety issues.” The paper, co-authored by Niels van der Linden, Celine Meerpoel, Hanna Schebesta, and Pieternel Luning, experts from Wageningen University and the University of Gent, describes the application of the Net-Map tool in the context of the FoodSafety4EU project.
This innovative study introduces the Net-Map methodology, a tool designed to untangle the intricate relationships within multi-stakeholder networks. The findings reveal that food safety risk analysis networks are far more complex than the administrative frameworks established by legislation, providing a clear view of how theory aligns with real-world dynamics.

Key Findings:

• The Net-Map tool effectively compares theoretical expectations with practical realities in risk analysis networks.
• It helps scientists identify critical stakeholders for data collection.
• Supports policymakers by highlighting areas for targeted interventions.
• Encourages stakeholder awareness, fostering collaboration opportunities.

The digital tool serves as a game-changer for improving risk analysis approaches, offering practical benefits for all stakeholders involved in ensuring food safety.

Explore this publication to see how the Net-Map methodology can enhance collaboration and efficiency in food safety risk management. Download it below!

The white paper “Food Supplements“ by LGC AXIO, an EU FOOD SAFETY PLATFORM member, explores regulatory gaps in the EU and US markets, emphasizing the need for improved standards, given the ease of access to these products in these regions.

The supplements market is growing rapidly, with a diverse range of active ingredients, degradation products, and contaminants requiring careful safety assessment. Recent scientific research supports the health benefits of dietary supplements—including vitamins, minerals, botanicals, and fatty acids—for aspects like athletic performance, cardiovascular health, weight management, and neurological support.
This trend has significantly fueled the supplements industry; however, concerns over quality and safety are rising.
Issues such as discrepancies between labelled and actual ingredient concentrations and the presence of contaminants highlight the need for rigorous oversight. Recent studies highlight significant regulatory gaps in the EU and US, stressing the need for improved methods to ensure reliable measurement of supplement quality and safety. Botanical supplements, in particular, raise concerns over potential side effects and drug interactions, as they lack the strict standards applied to pharmaceuticals. This variability underscores an opportunity for scientists and regulators to collaborate internationally to enhance public health. To meet the demands of informed consumers, more manufacturers are differentiating themselves through testing in accredited labs and participation in Proficiency Testing (PT) schemes, ensuring quality and compliance.

PT is critical in fostering transparency and accountability, helping quality brands distinguish themselves from those of lower quality. Insights from the LGC AXIO PT team reveal that quality markers and contaminants vary widely across products, presenting technical challenges for manufacturers striving to maintain high standards.

The white paper “Unmasking Mycotoxins in Spices” by LGC AXIO, an EU FOOD SAFETY PLATFORM member, provides an in-depth analysis of mycotoxin contamination in spices and underscores its significance for public health and food safety.
With a particular focus on contaminants like aflatoxins and ochratoxin A, the report emphasizes the persistent risks mycotoxins pose to human health due to their toxicity and resilience, even through various processing stages. Mycotoxins, produced by mould species such as Aspergillus and Penicillium, are prevalent in various spices including chilli, nutmeg, and turmeric, often exceeding regulatory limits in the EU and international markets.

The report highlights proficiency testing (PT) as a key quality control measure to evaluate laboratory accuracy and reliability in detecting mycotoxins. Data from LGC AXIO PT schemes reveal that rapid testing methods, such as ELISA and LC-MS/MS, are essential for precise detection, though differences in method sensitivity persist. Additionally, the report considers the broader context of spice contamination beyond mycotoxins, addressing other hazards like pesticide residues, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and illegal dyes.

The regulatory framework for mycotoxins, led by the EU’s Commission Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006, sets strict permissible limits for mycotoxins in spices, aligning with international standards such as the Codex Alimentarius. Yet, as the document indicates, ongoing challenges necessitate harmonized testing protocols and technological advancements to ensure food safety. This paper serves as a vital resource for experts, providing insights into the complexity of spice contamination, the need for global collaboration in standardizing testing, and the importance of enhancing laboratory capabilities to safeguard the spice supply chain

A new study on virtual social labs implementation has been published in the Journal of Responsible Technology (2024), by Maria Schrammel and Ilse Marschalek of ZSI, Zentrum für Soziale Innovation GmbH, as a partner of the FoodSafety4EU project.
The FoodSafety4EU participatory process gave the stage for exploring, experimenting, testing and standardizing how to conduct successful social laboratories in a virtual mode, through the implementation of four FSOLabs, that have been successfully organized online and conducted by Social Lab Managers:
FSOLab 1: Niels van der Linden & Pieternel Luning – Wageningen University & Research
FSOLab 2: Michael Rychlik & Tamara Steltz -Technical University of Munich
FSOLab 3: Denisa E. Duta IBA BUCURESTI & Biancamaria Ciasca CNR ISPA
FSOLab 4: Line Friis Lindner ISEKI-Food Association
supported by Food Safety Hub Leaders:
Monika Tomaniová UCT Prague – Veronica Lattanzio CNR ISPA – Sarah De Saeger UGENT – Hanna-Leena Alakomi VTT.

Abstract:

In response to the challenges posed by the complex field of food safety, the FOODSAFETY4EU project established social labs. Due to COVID-19 pandemic the lab process, typically held in-person, had to be converted to the virtual space. This means that all workshops, meetings, and collaboration processes and the pilot activity implementation solely took place online. This resulted in the novel situation of teams collaborating virtually throughout the labs. Virtual collaborations were already on the rise before the pandemic, evidenced by an increase in virtual meetings and workshops.
This study examines the requirements and limitations for online settings to be effective in virtual social lab processes. It investigates virtual collaboration, team dynamics, and the use of online tools. Findings reveal advantages such as increased participation, but also drawbacks including technical issues and role accountability. Despite challenges, all four virtual social labs finally succeeded in engaging diverse stakeholders and achieving significant outcomes.

Download the publication below!

An interesting article published in Trends In Food Science and Technology presents the Self-evaluation Tool for Risk Communication (SET) as a result of collaboration between experts from the SafeConsume Horizon 2020 funded project and European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

Abstract:
Background: Food safety risk communication is part of the risk analysis methodology and plays an important role in the increasingly complex food system. Besides shaping consumer risk awareness, risk perception and risk behaviour, risk communication also affects the reputation of the food safety authorities, being especially important for securing operational stability and budget of the concerned organisations. A recent European study highlighted a high variance in risk communication preparedness of official institutions in EU member countries.
Scope and approach: This paper presents a benchmarking instrument, the Self-evaluation Tool for Risk Communication (SET), designed for food safety authorities. SET helps decision-makers to receive a quick assessment of their preparedness level for risk communication by comparing it with international best practices.
Key findings and conclusions: SET divides risk communication competencies into three domains: Human capacities, Organisational management, and Risk communication activities. Several elements are assessed in each domain, evaluated on a scale from 0 to 3. The results are delivered instantly, benchmarking the scores in terms of domains and the individual elements. The data wheel visualization highlights strengths and weaknesses and points out logical improvement options for the organisation.

Download the publication below!

Food Safety and Artificial Intelligence: how AI can truly transform strategies for preventing food risks?
The new discussion paper, edited by Agroknow in the framework of the EFRA EU project, gathers position statements by strategic players of the EU Food Safety scenario, including academies, research centres, industry professionals, and organizations.
The EU Food Safety Platform position statement highlights the role of AI in unravelling and managing
food safety risks in the future. This has been explored in the Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda for Food Safety in Europe (FS4EU SRIA), recently released by the FoodSafety4EU project.

As a Science-Policy-Society interface, the EU Food Safety Platform underlines the need “for the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in the interface between scientific advice and food risk management. AI based modelling and computational tools enable faster information gathering, synthesis, and analysis. Such tools will therefore facilitate evidence-based decision-making, also during food safety incidents, leading to improved crisis management, resource allocation, and response strategies.”

Download the report below!

The report outlines priority research areas that would advance the risk assessment and risk management work of the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) and support the protection of public health. They are listed under broad topic headings, and they include suggestions for major research projects as well as smaller desk research studies.

A new report prepared by the European Research Executive Agency (REA) and the European Commission‘s DG RTD includes an Analysis of progress made in projects funded under Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe, including the European University Alliances.

It provides policy feedback and first evidence on the implementation of the ERA Policy Agenda, in particular ERA Actions 4 and 1716 EU projects, showcasing 16 skills-related projects with their goals, methods, and results, and a focus on skills such as Open Science, entrepreneurship, and innovation to foster a flexible research workforce.

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has published the “Early warning tools and systems for emerging issues in food safety” report.

The technical report raises awareness of evidence-based innovative digital tools, providing essential background information to support their proactive use in food safety.

Early warning (EW) systems play a crucial role in mitigating food safety risks. Recognizing the importance of timely identification, national and international authorities now prioritize proactive systems.

Modern technologies, fueled by real-time data and advancements in AI and machine learning, offer tested digital tools for effective food safety early warning.

The report presents the main findings of EFSA’s peer review of the risk assessment of glyphosate, carried out by authorities in four Member States (acting jointly as “Rapporteur Member States”), by taking into account
thousands of studies and scientific articles related to human and animal health and the environment, and involving dozens of scientists from EFSA and national authorities across Europe.
Draft documents related to the risk assessment have been made publicly available at different stages of the process, which has spanned over three years, including the public consultation that gathered valuable input.
(Source: EFSA press release).