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<OL> <LI> Develop a framework for structuring an integrated approach to analyze hazards and develop priorities to reduce risk. <LI> Identify criteria to evaluate risks and risk-control processes. 3) Evaluate different predictive modeling approaches. <LI>Identify available data sources and gaps. <LI> Develop tools and educate stakeholders about using an integrated, systemwide approach and improving risk management.
Foodborne illness is influenced by the complex interaction of many natural phenomena and human behaviors and thus is not solely a scientific, regulatory, or human behavior problem but must be addressed from diverse disciplinary perspectives in an integrated systemwide manner. The project will develop a conceptual framework for identifying and prioritizing opportunities in the food system (production to consumption) to intervene and reduce the burden of foodborne illness (from microbial and chemical sources). A key component is the effort to integrate hazard- and illness-specific analyses in order to understand how interventions interact across the food system. The framework can be used to guide the development of information and decision tools for food safety and public health officials, commercial participants in the food and public health officials, commercial participants in the food and agricultural sector, and individual consumers.
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A multi-disciplinary approach will be used to integrate hazard- and illness-specific analyses in a food systems framework to identify opportunities to reduce foodborne disease. A consortium of six research institutions will develop a risk ranking and management decision framework through the use of working groups, state-of-the-art evaluation, critique, and consensus-building workshops to assure an output that is responsive to the reality of all food safety system participants.
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Project researchers prepared a background paper on the framework and analytical tools needed to identify and prioritize interventions in the food system to improve food safety. A workshop on food attribution allowed researchers, modelers and public health agencies to closely examine available data, models and approaches to associate consumer food safety exposure to source.
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A framework that takes a system-wide approach can guide the development of information and decisions tools for use by food safety and public health officials, commercial participants in the food and agricultural sector and policy makers.