Advanced Risk Analysis for Biological Hazards in Greek PDO Food Products

Abstract

Food safety is increasingly concern both consumers and public health authorities. Food safety management systems have been implemented in food industry in order to protect consumer's health. Moreover, risk analysis strategies are usually included in food safety management plans. The aim of this study was to present and suggest an integrated system for risk analysis in food industry. Risk assessment combined with Next Generation Sequencing technology were performed. Greek food products which hold a PDO or PGI quality scheme (Avgotaracho Mesolonghiou and Vostizza currant) were selected as case studies because of their uniqueness and economic impact. From the results obtained, existing strategies were adequate in terms of Greek regulation for pathogens in foodstuff. However, NGS technique opens up possibilities to detect total microbiota of food products and minimize possible foodborne incidents. NGS analysis of Greek PDO products identified bacterial species (Bacillus cereus and Acitenobacter Venetianus) that can provide managers extra information about potential consumers' exposure to biological hazards. In conclusion, by advanced risk analysis, existing limitations regarding foodborne pathogens could be addressed. Therefore, this integrated risk analysis plan should be implemented in food industry in terms of food safety.