• The World Health Organization (WHO) has updated its manuals on strengthening surveillance of and response to foodborne diseases, which support countries in building, assessing, and strengthening national foodborne disease surveillance and response systems.
  • There are four manuals, including an introductory manual, a two-part stage one manual on detecting and investigating foodborne illness events and outbreaks, a stage two manual on strengthening surveillance, and a stage three manual on integrating surveillance data to better understand risks across the food chain. The manuals include tools to assist national authorities in developing their surveillance and response systems and “describe how to integrate laboratory data, environmental assessments, food chain information, and public health investigations.”
  • The manuals were first published in 2017. The updated versions reflect emerging priorities in the food system, including the impact of climate and environmental change on foodborne risks. They are intended to both support national capacity and improve the effectiveness of the global food safety network.
  • Keller and Heckman will continue to monitor developments related to food safety.