Source attribution methods based on microbial subtyping for source attribution of foodborne diseases in China

Abstract

Foodborne diseases are major global public health issues. Among microbial hazards， foodborne diseases are the most serious problem caused by pathogenic bacteria. Under the risk-based food safety management system， identifying the priority hazards and their important food sources is the premise and key to the prevention and control foodborne diseases. Currently， Europe， the United States， and other countries have established two categories of source attribution methods based on microbial subtyping. The results of these methods were transformed on a scientific basis to formulate food safety risk control measures. China is in the preliminary exploration stage of source attribution method research of foodborne disease. This study aimed to systematically sort the methodological principles and models of source attribution methods widely used internationally， combine the basis and current situation of foodborne disease source attribution research in China， and suggest four work directions for constructing the next stage of foodborne disease source attribution system in China. These directions include developing methods， combining data， building platforms and strong exchanges， which involves the development of localized source attribution model based on microbial subtyping to solve the challenges associated with confirming control and preventing and controlling foodborne diseases in China， and achieving food safety and protecting the lives and health of individuals.

Keywords

• source attribution
• foodborne diseases
• foodborne pathogens