The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has announced the publication of two new reports that demonstrate how whole-genome sequencing (WGS) can be used in food safety, and how WGS techniques are currently being applied in Europe.

The first report is:

Outcome of EC/EFSA questionnaire (2016) on use of Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) for food? and waterborne pathogens isolated from animals, food, feed and related environmental samples in EU/EFTA countries 

This survey was carried out by EFSA and the European Commission in 2016. The report explains the extent by which WGS is being utilized in Europe, why—in some cases—WGS is not an option, and the main uses for WGS.

The other report is:

Establishing Next Generation sequencing Ability for Genomic analysis in Europe 

EFSA refers to this final report as ENGAGE. It includes a description of all milestones achieved, such as public release of bacterial sequences, scientific publications, benchmarking exercises, workshops, trainings, and e-learning materials.

The aim of the project, co-funded by EFSA, was to boost scientific cooperation among European laboratories to use WGS in food safety and public health protection.

All materials produced can be found in the report and the ENGAGE website. 

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