scholarly journals Looking Inside the International Food Safety Authorities Network Community Website

2020 ◽  
Vol 83 (11) ◽  
pp. 1889-1899 ◽  
Author(s):  
CARMEN JOSEPH SAVELLI ◽  
CÉU MATEUS
Keyword(s):  
Food Safety ◽  
Information Exchange ◽  
Phase 1 ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Disease Outbreaks ◽  
Foodborne Illness ◽  
Support Network ◽  
Global Network ◽  
World Health ◽  
The Impact

ABSTRACT The International Food Safety Authorities Network (INFOSAN) was launched in 2004 by the World Health Organization (WHO) in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). Since then, this global network has aimed to halt the international spread of contaminated food, prevent foodborne disease outbreaks, and strengthen food safety systems globally to reduce the burden of foodborne illness. However, INFOSAN has never been examined as a functional community of practice and its value, according to members, has not been determined in a systematic or rigorous way. A three-phased, mixed-method study has explored the experiences of INFOSAN members with respect to their participation in collaborative network activities to improve global food safety and prevent foodborne illness. Results from phase 1 of this study are discussed here and relate to how the INFOSAN Community Website (ICW) is being used to support network activities. Overall, the descriptive analysis indicates that a small number of active INFOSAN members contribute most of information shared on the ICW. A much larger group of members participates passively, logging on to the site, reading content, but not sharing new information. Four hundred eighty-two food safety incidents are documented on the ICW, the majority of which have been caused by bacterial contamination, most commonly Salmonella enterica. The results from phase 1 of this study provide objective, foundational information about engagement of all members and were used to propose new ways to improve the ICW. Integration of these results with results from phases 2 and 3 will help determine whether and how members' reported attitudes and experiences reflect their online behaviors. This information can be used by the INFOSAN Secretariat to increase active participation and improve international information exchange to mitigate the impact of food safety emergencies and prevent foodborne diseases globally. HIGHLIGHTS

scholarly journals A mixed-method exploration into the experience of members of the FAO/WHO International Food Safety Authorities Network (INFOSAN): study protocol

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. e027091 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carmen Joseph Savelli ◽  
Céu Mateus
Keyword(s):  
Food Safety ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Phase 1 ◽  
Deep Understanding ◽  
Global Network ◽  
World Health ◽  
Ethical Review ◽  
Phase 3 ◽  
Medicine Research ◽  
The World

IntroductionThe International Food Safety Authorities Network (INFOSAN) is a global network of national food safety authorities from 188 countries, managed jointly by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO), which facilitates the rapid exchange of information during food safety related events. The proposed research will interrogate INFOSAN in order to describe and explore the experiences of members and better understand the role of the network in mitigating the burden of foodborne illness around the world.MethodsExamined through a community of practice lens, a three-phase research design will combine quantitative and qualitative methods (including website analytics in phase 1, online survey administration in phase 2 and semistructured interviews in phase 3) to elicit a broad and deep understanding of the network operation and member experiences.AnalysisIn phases 1 and 2, quantitative data collected from the INFOSAN Community website and the online questionnaires will be analysed using descriptive summary statistics. In phase 3, interpretative phenomenological analysis will be used to engage in a dialogue with study participants to explore and describe their lived experiences regarding participation in activities related to INFOSAN. An important aspect of the overall analysis will be triangulation of the information collected from each phase, including quantitative indicators and qualitative value stories, in order to provide a robust understanding of member experience.Ethics and disseminationThis study has undergone ethical review and has received approval from Lancaster University’s Faculty of Health and Medicine Research Ethics Committee, as well as the ethics review committee of the WHO. Findings from the study will be disseminated as a PhD thesis submitted to Lancaster University. In addition, results of the research shall be submitted for publication to relevant academic or professional conferences and journals or other media, including books or websites.

scholarly journals Exploring the International Food Safety Authorities Network as a Community of Practice: Results from a Global Survey ofNetwork Members

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carmen Joseph Savelli ◽  
Céu Mateus
Keyword(s):  
Food Safety ◽  
Community Of Practice ◽  
Foodborne Illness ◽  
Support Network ◽  
Global Network ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Main Research ◽  
Functional Community ◽  
Research Questions

The International Food Safety Authorities Network (INFOSAN) is a global network of national food safety authorities from 190 countries, managed jointly by FAO and WHO, which facilitates the rapid exchange of information during food safety incidents. Until now, INFOSAN has never been characterized or examined as a functional community of practice and its value, as understood from the perspective of its members, has never been determined in a systematic or rigorous way.The purpose of this study is to explore and describe the experiences and opinions of INFOSAN members to better understand the role of the network in improving food safety and mitigating the burden of foodborne illness globally. There are four main research questions: 1) How is the INFOSAN Community Website being used to support network activities? 2) What are the barriers to active participation in INFOSAN? 3) Do INFOSAN members believe that participation in the network prevents foodborne illness and saves lives? 4) Does participation in INFOSAN create value for members and if so, through what mechanisms does this occur?To answer these questions, an online questionnaire was developed and adapted from English into French and Spanish before being disseminated to INFOSAN members. Responses were received from 239 INFOSAN members in 137 countries over a 10-week period between August and October 2019.This study represents the first ever to explore and describe the experiences of INFOSAN members with respect to their participation in network activities to improve global food safety and prevent foodborne diseases and to describe the characteristics of INFOSAN as a community of practice. The results suggest that INFOSAN is a valued tool, utilized globally to reduce the burden of foodborne illness and save lives. The INFOSAN Secretariat could utilize the results to prioritize future activities to further strengthen the network and support participation of members.

Overview of Leafy Greens–Related Food Safety Incidents with a California Link: 1996 to 2016

2019 ◽  
Vol 82 (3) ◽  
pp. 405-414 ◽  
Author(s):  
KALI TURNER ◽  
CHEE NOU MOUA ◽  
MAHA HAJMEER ◽  
AMBER BARNES ◽  
MICHAEL NEEDHAM
Keyword(s):  
Food Safety ◽  
Emergency Response ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Disease Outbreaks ◽  
The United States ◽  
Foodborne Illness ◽  
Health Food ◽  
California Department ◽  
Leafy Greens

ABSTRACT An increase in the number of foodborne illness outbreaks associated with produce has been noted in the literature, and leafy greens have been the most common produce category associated with these outbreaks. California is the largest leafy greens producer in the United States, and many related foodborne illness incidents were traced to this state. A systematic overview of leafy greens incidents linked to California was conducted by the California Department of Public Health, Food and Drug Branch through analysis of complaints, routine surveillance sampling, disease outbreaks, and investigations covering 1996 to 2016. The goal was to develop a risk assessment tool to modernize emergency response efforts to foodborne illnesses related to leafy greens. A database including environmental, epidemiologic, and laboratory information for each incident was developed, and descriptive analysis was performed to identify trends. In the 21-year period analyzed, 134 incidents were identified, the majority of which were surveillance related. Approximately 2,240 U.S. cases of confirmed illness were reported (298 California cases resulting in 50 hospitalizations). Romaine lettuce and spinach were the most commonly implicated vehicles. The most prevalent hazard type was microbiological, in particular bacterial, specifically associated with pathogenic strains of Escherichia coli. In California, the overview provided the Food and Drug Branch with a platform to (i) enhance its Food Safety Program, Emergency Response Unit, and California Food Emergency Response Team; (ii) assist in more efficient investigation, response, control, and prevention of California-linked foodborne illness incidents; and (iii) identify knowledge gaps and develop effective definitions, procedures, training, guidelines, and policies that will be used to help prevent future outbreaks. Outcomes provide insight into the situation in the largest leafy greens–producing state and may be used to prioritize limited national food safety resources and aid in future leafy greens–related research and foodborne incident investigations.

Traveller's thrombosis: airlines still not giving passengers the WRIGHT advice!

2010 ◽  
Vol 25 (5) ◽  
pp. 257-260 ◽  
Author(s):  
J R H Scurr ◽  
N Ahmad ◽  
D Thavarajan ◽  
R K Fisher
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Venous Thromboembolism ◽  
Phase 1 ◽  
Medical Advice ◽  
World Health ◽  
Compression Stockings ◽  
Additional Risk ◽  
The World ◽  
International Airlines ◽  
The Impact

Introduction This study has examined the impact of the World Health Organization's Research into Global Hazards of Travel (WRIGHT) Project's phase 1 report on the information given by airlines to their passengers regarding traveller's thrombosis. Methods Official websites of all airlines flying from Heathrow (UK) and John F Kennedy (USA) were located through links on the websites of these two busy international airports. In June 2007, each site was scrutinized by three independent researchers to identify if traveller's thrombosis and its risk factors were discussed and what methods of prevention were advised. This exercise was repeated a year after the publication of the WRIGHT report. Results One hundred and nineteen international airlines were listed in 2007 (12 were excluded from analysis). A quarter (27/107) of airlines warned of the risk of traveller's thrombosis. A year later, five airlines were no longer operational and there had been no increase in the discussion of traveller's thrombosis (23/102). Additional risk factors discussed in June 2007 versus September 2008: previous venous thromboembolism (16%, 15%); thrombophilia (14%, 15%); family history (11%, 9%); malignancy (12%, 14%); recent surgery (19%, 16%); pregnancy (17%, 16%) and obesity (11%, 12%). Prophylaxis advice given in June 2007 versus September 2008: in-flight exercise (34%, 42%); Hydration (30%, 34%); medical consultation prior to flying (20%, 18%); graduated compression stockings (13%, 12%); aspirin (<1%, <1%) and heparin (5%, 7%). Conclusions The majority of world airlines continue to fail to warn of the risk of traveller's thrombosis or offer appropriate advice. Alerting passengers at risk gives them an opportunity to seek medical advice before flying.

Through the Rule of Law Looking Glass

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 307-334
Author(s):  
Gian Luca Burci ◽  
Jennifer Hasselgård-Rowe
Keyword(s):  
Rule Of Law ◽  
International Organizations ◽  
International Health ◽  
Disease Outbreaks ◽  
World Health ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Affect States ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Health Regulations ◽  
Looking Glass

Abstract Transposing rule of law principles from the national to the international level, in particular to international organizations, still raises questions and can be problematic. However, rule of law considerations play an important role when international organizations exercise a substantial amount of public authority and may directly affect states as well as individuals. The World Health Organization (WHO), unlike other international organizations, has a constitutional mandate to prevent and respond to international acute emergencies in the form of disease outbreaks and pandemics. Its main normative tool is the 2005 International Health Regulations (IHR), that represent a breakthrough from past instruments but also raise questions and challenges that can be effectively analyzed from a rule of law perspective. This approach applies in particular to ambiguities in important parts of the IHR affecting their relevance and effectiveness; lack of clarity for processes leading to sensitive executive decisions; the absence of compliance assessment mechanisms resulting in lack of accountability for states parties; and an inadequate inclusion of human rights guarantees. The analysis is extended beyond WHO’s functions, to the impact of COVID-19 on the organization’s governance as well as its internal management.

scholarly journals The Impact of Conflict on Immunisation Coverage in 16 Countries

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 211-221 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Grundy ◽  
Beverley-Ann Biggs
Keyword(s):  
Health System ◽  
Disease Incidence ◽  
National Policy ◽  
Disease Outbreaks ◽  
Health System Strengthening ◽  
World Health ◽  
Immunisation Coverage ◽  
Global Alliance ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
The Impact

Background: Military conflict has been an ongoing determinant of inequitable immunisation coverage in many low- and middle-income countries, yet the impact of conflict on the attainment of global health goals has not been fully addressed. This review will describe and analyse the association between conflict, immunisation coverage and vaccine-preventable disease (VPD) outbreaks, along with country specific strategies to mitigate the impact in 16 countries. Methods: We cross-matched immunisation coverage and VPD data in 2014 for displaced and refugee populations. Data on refugee or displaced persons was sourced from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) database, and immunisation coverage and disease incidence data from World Health Organization (WHO) databases. Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) databases provided additional data on national and sub-national coverage. The 16 countries were selected because they had the largest numbers of registered UNHCR "persons of interest" and received new vaccine support from Global Alliance for Vaccine and Immunisation (GAVI), the Vaccine Alliance. We used national planning and reporting documentation including immunisation multiyear plans, health system strengthening strategies and GAVI annual progress reports (APRs) to assess the impact of conflict on immunisation access and coverage rates, and reviewed strategies developed to address immunisation program shortfalls in conflict settings. We also searched the peer-reviewed literature for evidence that linked immunisation coverage and VPD outbreaks with evidence of conflict. Results: We found that these 16 countries, representing just 12% of the global population, were responsible for 67% of global polio cases and 39% of global measles cases between 2010 and 2015. Fourteen out of the 16 countries were below the global average of 85% coverage for diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus (DPT3) in 2014. We present data from countries where the onset of conflict has been associated with sudden drops in national and sub-national immunisation coverage. Tense security conditions, along with damaged health infrastructure and depleted human resources have contributed to infrequent outreach services, and delays in new vaccine introductions and immunisation campaigns. These factors have in turn contributed to pockets of low coverage and disease outbreaks in sub-national areas affected by conflict. Despite these impacts, there was limited reference to the health needs of conflict affected populations in immunisation planning and reporting documents in all 16 countries. Development partner investments were heavily skewed towards vaccine provision and working with partner governments, with comparatively low levels of health systems support or civil partnerships. Conclusion: Global and national policy and planning focus is required on the service delivery needs of conflict affected populations, with increased investment in health system support and civil partnerships, if persistent immunisation inequities in conflict affected areas are to be addressed.

scholarly journals Exploring the Experiences of Members of the International Food Safety Authorities Network: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carmen Joseph Savelli ◽  
Céu Mateus ◽  
Jane Simpson
Keyword(s):  
Food Safety ◽  
Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
Global Network ◽  
World Health ◽  
Food And Agriculture ◽  
Food And Agriculture Organization ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
The Individual

The International Food Safety Authorities Network (INFOSAN) is a global network of national food safety authorities from 190 countries, managed jointly by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO), which aims to facilitate the rapid exchange of information during food safety incidents. A three-phase study of INFOSAN was launched in 2019 to characterize and examine the network as a functional community of practice and determine its value systematically and rigorously from its members' perspectives. The first two phases of the study involved analyzing the INFOSAN Community Website and a survey of all members. The main objective of this third and final phase of the study was to understand the experiences of a small group of INFOSAN members as they relate to various dimensions of membership. A qualitative methodology was employed to provide a deeper understanding of members' experiences and supplement the results from the first two quantitative study phases. Interviews were conducted with ten INFOSAN members from ten geographic regions, transcribed verbatim and analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). The results offer an understanding of INFOSAN members' experiences in the context of what participation in this global network means to them and relate to five themes concerning trust, learning, health protection, sense of community, and future potential. The findings suggest that focusing on outreach to sustain personal interest, training to improve technical capacity, and advocacy to obtain political buy-in are ways in which the INFOSAN Secretariat could enable participation and create value at the individual, organizational and national levels respectively. Such engagement could translate into more effective international communication during urgent food safety incidents and fewer cases of foodborne illness worldwide.

scholarly journals Food Safety and Foodborne Disease in the 21stCentury

2003 ◽  
Vol 14 (5) ◽  
pp. 277-280 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Scott
Keyword(s):  
Food Safety ◽  
Healthcare Delivery ◽  
International Travel ◽  
Foodborne Illness ◽  
Preschool Age ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Foodborne Disease ◽  
Daycare Centre ◽  
The Impact ◽  
At Home

Over the past decade there has been a growing recognition of the involvement of the home in several public health and hygiene issues. Perhaps the best understood of these issues is the role of the home in the transmission and acquisition of foodborne disease. The incidence of foodborne disease is increasing globally. Although foodborne disease data collection systems often miss the mass of home-based outbreaks of sporadic infection, it is now accepted that many cases of foodborne illness occur as a result of improper food handling and preparation by consumers in their own kitchens. Some of the most compelling evidence has come from the international data onSalmonellaspecies andCampylobacterspecies infections.By its very nature, the home is a multifunctional setting and this directly impacts upon the need for better food safety in the home. In particular, the growing population of elderly and other immnocompromised individuals living at home who are likely to be more vulnerable to the impact of foodborne disease is an important aspect to consider. In addition, some developed nations are currently undergoing a dramatic shift in healthcare delivery, resulting in millions of patients nursed at home. Other aspects of the home that are unique in terms of food safety are the use of the home as a daycare centre for preschool age children, the presence of domestic animals in the home and the use of the domestic kitchen for small-scale commercial catering operations. At the global level, domestic food safety issues for the 21stcentury include the continued globalization of the food supply, the impact of international travel and tourism, and the impact of foodborne disease on developing nations.A number of countries have launched national campaigns to reduce the burden of foodborne disease, including alerting consumers to the need to practice food safety at home. Home hygiene practice and consumer hygiene products are being refined and targeted to areas of risk, including preventing the onward transmission of foodborne illness via the inanimate environment. It has been said that food safety in the home is the last line of defense against foodborne disease, and it is likely that this will remain true for the global population in the foreseeable future.

scholarly journals An analysis of the ethics of lockdown in India

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 481-489 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meghna Ann Arunachalam ◽  
Aarti Halwai
Keyword(s):  
Ethical Issues ◽  
Disease Outbreaks ◽  
World Health ◽  
Ethical Guidelines ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
Infectious Disease Outbreaks ◽  
The Government ◽  
Human Participants ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
The Impact

AbstractOver the past 6 months, coronavirus-induced disease (COVID-19) has spread across 212 countries, affecting millions of people. As it has no known cure, social distancing is highly recommended for prevention of spread of the disease. Here, we have described the impact of the social distancing measures implemented by the Government of India on various sections of the society, especially the vulnerable sections. Furthermore, we have presented an analysis of these measures, according to the World Health Organization´s Guidance for Managing Ethical Issues in Infectious Disease Outbreaks (2016); we have also applied principles, as applicable, from the Indian Council of Medical Research’s National Ethical Guidelines for Biomedical and Health Research Involving Human Participants (2017). Finally, we have presented several measures that should have been adopted before and in addition to implementing the lockdown to improve its effectiveness.

Survey of Food Safety Practices on Small to Medium-Sized Farms and in Farmers Markets

2013 ◽  
Vol 76 (11) ◽  
pp. 1989-1993 ◽  
Author(s):  
JUDY A. HARRISON ◽  
JULIA W. GASKIN ◽  
MARK A. HARRISON ◽  
JENNIFER L. CANNON ◽  
RENEE R. BOYER ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Carolina ◽  
Food Safety ◽  
Disease Outbreaks ◽  
Water Sources ◽  
Foodborne Illness ◽  
Farmers Markets ◽  
Safety Practices ◽  
Safety Standards ◽  
Food Safety Standards ◽  
The Web

As produce consumption has increased, so have foodborne disease outbreaks associated with fresh produce. Little research has addressed food safety practices used on small to medium-sized farms selling locally or in farmers markets. This study evaluated current food safety practices used by farmers on small to medium-sized farms and managers of farmers markets in Georgia, Virginia, and South Carolina based on responses to surveys. Surveys were developed, pretested, and revised before implementation with target audiences and were implemented via mail and the Web to maximize participation, with reminders sent to nonrespondents. Data were collected from 226 farmers and 45 market managers. Frequencies and percentages were calculated for all response variables. Responses from farmers indicated that more than 56% of them use manures. Of those who use manures, 34% use raw or mixtures of raw and composted manure, and over 26% wait fewer than 90 days between application of raw manure and harvest. Over 27% use water sources that have not been tested for safety for irrigation, and 16% use such water sources for washing produce. Over 43% do not sanitize surfaces that touch produce at the farm. Only 33% of farmers always clean transport containers between uses. Responses from market managers indicated that over 42% have no food safety standards in place for the market. Only 2 to 11% ask farmers specific questions about conditions on the farm that could affect product safety. Less than 25% of managers sanitize market surfaces. Only 11% always clean market containers between uses. Over 75% of markets offer no sanitation training to workers or vendors. While farmers and market managers are using many good practices, the results indicate that some practices being used may put consumers at risk of foodborne illness. Consequently, there is a need for training for both farmers and market managers.

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