Tue Sep 24 04:05:00 UTC 2024: ## FDA Backs EU Plan for Whole Genome Sequencing to Track Foodborne Outbreaks

**Brussels, Belgium** – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has thrown its weight behind a proposed European Union regulation that would mandate the use of whole genome sequencing (WGS) during foodborne outbreaks. This move, aimed at improving food safety and public health, has garnered both support and criticism from industry stakeholders.

The European Commission has proposed requiring EU member states to conduct WGS on isolates of Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, E. coli, Campylobacter jejuni, and Campylobacter coli collected from food, animal feed, and related environmental samples. This data would then be shared with the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) to help track and identify the sources of outbreaks.

The FDA has lauded the proposal, stating that it would “significantly improve food safety and public health within the European Union.” The agency also suggested that the EU data be shared with the International Nucleotide Sequence Database Collaboration (INSDC) to enhance global food safety efforts.

However, industry groups have raised concerns about the feasibility and potential downsides of the proposed regulation. FoodDrinkEurope, representing the EU’s food and drink manufacturing sector, voiced concerns about the costs associated with WGS implementation, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). They also expressed concerns about data protection, regulatory burden, and international competitiveness.

Other industry groups, including the European Chilled Food Federation, CLITRAVI, and the Dutch Meat Association, have raised concerns about the potential for blame being unfairly placed on companies whose data is shared, as well as the lack of a universally agreed upon nomenclature for genetic variations.

Despite these concerns, the EU Commission is moving forward with the proposal, which is expected to come into effect 18 months after finalization. The implementation of WGS could significantly enhance the ability to track and control foodborne outbreaks, leading to improved public health outcomes. However, it is crucial to address the concerns raised by industry to ensure that the regulation is feasible and beneficial for all stakeholders.

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