STECs are responsible for an estimated 1.2M illnesses and 128 deaths each year worldwide. With the growing food insecurity, it is imperative to maximize our food production and distribution systems. Like most commodities, the economics define the flow of food commodities like beef, beef products, and produce across various nations. Canada remains the largest market for US agriculture products followed by Mexico, EU, Japan and China. At the same time, Canada and Mexico are also the largest supplier of agricultural products to the US followed by the EU. This flow of goods accompanies if not accentuates various challenges including the threats of food borne pathogens. The recently published FAO WHO meeting report from Rome 2022 (https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240058576) provides a deeper look into the available measures for controlling STECs in dairy and beef products. Similar efforts are also undertaken for produce like the Leafy Green STECs Action Plan (https://www.fda.gov/food/foodborne-pathogens/leafy-greens-stec-action-plan) . Public health agencies across various countries are continuing to monitor for STECs in food products as well as illnesses attributed to STECs. All these data are continually shaping the knowledge spectrum for STECs and providing new insights. Furthermore, evolving science of pathogenicity and virulence are also challenging regulatory agencies globally to meet their public health mandates without significantly adversely affecting global food supply and food security. This Round Table will bring together recognized experts from various public health and regulatory agencies to discuss and answer questions on: 1) how current regulations are contributing towards STECs control, 2) how evolving scientific data is shaping the ongoing and future of these regulations, 3) what is the expected impact of these regulations on the import/export of high risk foods.
Developing Program: 1.5 h event
Policy position (30 min)
Opening Presentations – 6 minutes presentation – 4 minutes question for each Perspective
Emilio Esteban – Impact of STEC / VTEC on agriculture trade – The American Perspective.
TBD – Impact of STEC / VTEC on agriculture trade – The Canadian Perspective
TBD- – Impact of STEC / VTEC on agriculture trade – The European Perspective
Science Position (30 min)
Opening Presentations – 6 minutes presentation – 4 minutes question for each Perspective
TBD – State of STEC / VTEC science present – future – The American Perspective.
TBD – State of STEC / VTEC science present – future – The Canadian Perspective
TBD – State of STEC / VTEC science present – future – The European Perspective
30 min – round table discussion / question and answer session.
