In response to rising food safety concerns, researchers from several prominent institutions are advocating for a more comprehensive approach to microbial food safety.

The call comes from a recent review by experts at the Quadram Institute, the University of East Anglia, the Royal Veterinary College, and Massey University, highlighting the need for advanced, genome-based surveillance systems to safeguard the global food supply.

The study, featuring contributions from Distinguished Professor Nigel French of Massey University's School of Veterinary Science, underscores the urgent necessity for holistic methods in assessing risks and monitoring microbial communities across the food chain.

Globally, food borne illnesses affected one in ten people in 2010, resulting in over 400,000 deaths.

Despite decades of knowledge about dangerous bacterial species and their impacts on health, there remains a significant gap in understanding how these bacteria infiltrate, persist, and evolve within an increasingly globalised food system.

Additionally, there are concerns about emerging bacterial pathogens that current tools are unable to detect.

"Understanding how global drivers like climate change and technological innovations affect bacterial profiles in our food systems is increasingly challenging," said Professor French.

"We need better data on microbial ecology shifts to develop effective interventions against food borne illnesses."

The researchers emphasise the limitations of traditional methods that focus on individual bacterial species.

Bacteria exist in complex, interacting communities capable of rapid evolution, making it imperative to monitor these communities comprehensively.

Whole genome sequencing and metagenomics have emerged as pivotal tools in this effort.

By sequencing the genomes of all organisms in a sample, metagenomics provides a detailed snapshot of the microbial environment.

Whole genome sequencing helps identify genetic elements that enable bacteria to adapt to new ecological niches, such as developing antimicrobial resistance.

These genomic tools have already proven invaluable in tracking and tracing food borne pathogens.

For instance, they have been used to follow the microevolution of the globally prevalent Salmonella Typhimurium strain.

This strain has acquired genes for antimicrobial resistance and heavy metal tolerance, as well as viral genes aiding its invasion of host cells, transforming it into a persistent global threat.

Similarly, genome sequencing has advanced the prevention and control of Campylobacter, another significant food borne pathogen.

These tools have enabled precise tracking of its transmission through the food chain and identification of outbreak sources.

"Genomic surveillance must be more widely adopted worldwide to stay ahead of emerging microbial threats," said Professor Alison Mather of the Quadram Institute.

"Effective surveillance systems require sensitivity and timeliness to allow pre-emptive actions that prevent foodborne illnesses."

The researchers call on governments and international agencies to invest in genome-based surveillance, ensuring its benefits are accessible globally.

Currently, such surveillance is mostly concentrated in well-resourced areas, but food safety is a global issue requiring a global response.

Dr. Matthew Gilmour of the Quadram Institute highlighted the economic and social benefits of global genomic surveillance.

"As we gather more genomic and metagenomic data from diverse sources, surveillance becomes more effective. Food producers and businesses are beginning to adopt genomic technologies, recognizing their potential to enhance food safety."

With dropping technology costs and increased access to training and knowledge exchange, a 21st-century system for preventing, detecting, and responding to microbial threats is taking shape.

This system promises a more resilient food supply chain, benefiting everyone.