Evaluation of a Harmonized Undergraduate Catalog for Veterinary Public Health and Food Hygiene Pedagogy in Europe

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alessandro Seguino ◽  
Peggy G. Braun ◽  
Jorge Del-Pozo ◽  
Cristina Soare ◽  
Kurt Houf ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Hazard Analysis ◽  
Participation Rate ◽  
Practical Experience ◽  
Food Microbiology ◽  
European Countries ◽  
Food Hygiene ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Veterinary Public Health ◽  
Critical Control Points

Current and emerging veterinary public health (VPH) challenges raised by globalization, climate change, and industrialization of food production require the veterinarian’s role to evolve in parallel and veterinary education to adapt to reflect these changes. The European Food Hygiene catalog was developed to provide a list of topics relevant to Day One Competencies in VPH. A study was undertaken to ensure that the catalog and teaching practices were pertinent to the work of public health veterinarians. Relevant stakeholders were consulted using questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. A long questionnaire was distributed to 49 academics teaching VPH in European veterinary schools to review topics listed in the catalog. Eighteen responses were received (36.7%), representing 12 European countries. There was general agreement that most topics were appropriate for the undergraduate VPH curriculum. A short questionnaire was distributed to 348 European veterinarians working in the industry. Twenty-four questionnaires (6.7%) were received, representing eight European countries. Despite the low participation rate, topics needing greater emphasis in the undergraduate curriculum included Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP), food microbiology, and audits. Seven semi-structured interviews with public health veterinarians working in the UK identified the need for curricular changes including greater practical experience and a shift from a focus on meat inspection to risk management. This may be partly achieved by replacing traditional lectures with authentic case-based scenarios. The study findings can be used to inform the future direction to VPH education for veterinary students across Europe.

Toward Harmonization of the European Food Hygiene/Veterinary Public Health Curriculum

2012 ◽  
Vol 39 (2) ◽  
pp. 169-179 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frans J.M. Smulders ◽  
Sava Buncic ◽  
Karsten Fehlhaber ◽  
Robert J. Huey ◽  
Hannu Korkeala ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Food Hygiene ◽  
Veterinary Public Health ◽  
Health Curriculum

scholarly journals Food Safety, Fish and Listeriosis

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (11) ◽  
pp. 1908
Author(s):  
Alejandro De Jesús Cortés Sánchez ◽  
Martha Lorena Guzmán Robles ◽  
Rodolfo Garza Torres ◽  
Luis Daniel Espinosa Chaurand ◽  
Mayra Diaz Ramirez
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Food Safety ◽  
Hazard Analysis ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Nutritional Composition ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Critical Control Points ◽  
Haccp System ◽  
Causative Agents ◽  
Microbiological Criteria

Listeria monocytogenes is a food pathogen responsible for listeriosis, a relevant disease in public health worldwide. The genus Listeria spp., corresponds to cosmopolitan bacteria and capable of surviving different adverse conditions, which increases the risk for the food to be contaminated at any stage of the food chain. Fish and fish products are foods of high production level and, due to their chemical or nutritional composition, are highly susceptible to deterioration and contamination by pathogens in their productive chain relating to cases of listeriosis. Derived from the incidence and human mortality due to causative agents of listeriosis, along with their resistance to antimicrobials, they have acquired a greater emphasis on human health, animal health and food industry, resulting in the implementation of safety systems such as good hygiene practices, Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) system, analytical methods and microbiological criteria, as some of the actions to contribute to the food safety and public health protection. The purpose of this review document is to provide, in a general way, aspects involved in foodborne illnesses, specifically listeriosis and its association with fish as a transmitting food, considering the prevention and control measures of this disease through food. It also includes aspects related to antimicrobial resistance by bacterial isolates obtained from fish, their implications and health risks.

scholarly journals Promoting Intersectoral Collaboration Through the Evaluations of Public Health Interventions: Insights From Key Informants in 6 European Countries

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sabrina Kriegner ◽  
Trygve Ottersen ◽  
John-Arne Røttingen ◽  
Unni Gopinathan
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Full Range ◽  
Primary Objective ◽  
Health Interventions ◽  
European Countries ◽  
Intersectoral Collaboration ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Full Potential ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Public Health Interventions

Background: Intersectoral collaboration is critical to the successful implementation of many public health interventions (PHIs). Little attention has been paid to whether and how processes at the stage of evaluation can promote intersectoral collaboration. The objective of this study was to examine European experiences and views on whether and how the evaluation of PHIs promote intersectoral collaboration. Methods: A qualitative study design was used. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 15 individuals centrally involved in the evaluation of PHIs in 6 European countries (Austria, Denmark, England, Germany, Norway, and Switzerland). Questions pertained to current processes for evaluating PHIs in the country and current and potential strategies for promoting intersectoral collaboration. Transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify key themes responding to our primary objective. Results: Experiences with promoting intersectoral collaboration through the evaluation of PHIs could be summarized in 4 themes: (1) Early involvement of non-health sectors in the evaluative process and inclusion of non-health benefits can promote intersectoral collaboration, but should be combined with greater influence of these sectors in shaping PHIs; (2) Harmonization of methodological approaches may enable comparison of results and facilitate intersectoral collaboration, but should not be an overriding goal; (3) Involvement in health impact assessments (HIAs) can promote intersectoral collaboration, but needs to be incentivized and be conducted without putting overwhelming demands on non-health sectors; (4) A designated body for evaluating PHIs may promote intersectoral collaboration, but its design needs to take account of realities of policy-making. Conclusion: The full potential for promoting intersectoral collaboration through the evaluation of PHIs appears currently unrealized in the settings we studied. To further promote intersectoral collaboration, evaluators and decisionmakers may consider the full range of strategies characterized in this study. This may be most effective if the strategies are deployed so that they reinforce each other, value outcomes beyond health, and are tailored to maximize political priority for PHIs across sectors.

scholarly journals Understanding the factors that contribute to the similarities and differences in SARS-CoV-2 testing strategies across Europe

2021 ◽  
Vol 31 (Supplement_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
S Kamga ◽  
B Voordouw ◽  
M Koopmans ◽  
A Timen
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
European Countries ◽  
Public Health Laboratory ◽  
Laboratory Diagnostics ◽  
Testing Strategy ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Member States ◽  
Eu Member States ◽  
Testing Strategies ◽  
Diagnostic Capacity

Abstract Background Since the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak, the importance of testing suspected cases has been stressed by various governments and international organizations. Early in the pandemic, the WHO's Secretary General emphasized the need to ‘test, test, test'. Nonetheless, there were some evident differences between European Member States' testing strategies. In order to get an understanding of why and how these differences developed we conducted a mixed methods study in several EU member states. Methods We conducted semi-structured interviews with 11 professionals with expertise in public health, laboratory diagnostics and policymaking in 8 European countries, namely Croatia, Italy, Latvia, Malta, the Netherlands, Spain, Latvia, Italy, Slovenia. Based on interview results, a questionnaire is developed to quantify to which degree a larger audience of public health, laboratory and policy-making professionals believe identified factors played a role in the national SARS-CoV-2 testing strategy. Preliminary results 3 factors seem to play an important role in the diagnostic capacity and testing strategy. Firstly, differences in the countries' available stockpile and their ability to efficiently procure diagnostic equipment influenced testing strategies. Secondly, the variation in institutions that took ownership of the issues of developing, executing and developing the policies led to differences in the testing strategies. Lastly, all countries aimed to follow international advice and guidelines, which led to the convergence of testing strategies over time. Conclusions In order to be prepared for a pandemic of COVID-19's scale and make necessary adjustments in capacity building, it is important that Member States understand the factors that play an important role in both their own and other European countries' diagnostic preparedness strategies.

scholarly journals Análise microbiológica de frutas minimamente processadas servidas em uma Unidade de Alimentação e Nutrição

2015 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 22
Author(s):  
A. D. F. Lins ◽  
C. G. C. Lisbôa ◽  
M. S. Moraes ◽  
A. C. F. Sampaio ◽  
D. J. G. Quirino
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Ethylene Production ◽  
Hazard Analysis ◽  
Microbiological Contamination ◽  
Minimally Processed ◽  
Critical Control Points ◽  
Organoleptic Characteristics ◽  
Food And Nutrition ◽  
Health Association ◽  
Processed Products

Produtos minimamente processados têm sido descrito como produtos manipulados, preparados, embalados e distribuídos, que passam por procedimentos como seleção, limpeza, lavagem, descascamento e corte que não comprometem suas características organolépticas e agreguem valor aos mesmos. Alguns desses procedimentos podem proporcionar lesões que resultam em aceleração da respiração, produção de etileno, senescência, amadurecimento, deterioração e uma contaminação microbiológica. Partindo desse pressuposto, esse trabalho tem como objetivo verificar as condições microbiológicas de mamão, melão, abacaxi e melancia minimamente processados, provenientes de uma Unidade de Alimentação e Nutrição de um município da Região do Cariri do Estado do Ceará. As análises de coliformes totais, termotolerantes e detecção de Salmonella sp, foram realizadas segundo os padrões e metodologias da Americam Public Health Association. Através dos resultados deste trabalho baseados na RDC Nº 12, de 2 de Janeiro de 2001 da Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária, as quatro amostras de frutas apresentaram contagem ≥2,4x103 NMP/g para Coliformes Totais e termotolerantes e ausência de Salmonella sp. Sugere-se assim que sejam revistas as Boas Práticas de Fabricação (BPF), assim como a adoção de um Programa de Análise de Perigos e Pontos Críticos de Controle (APPCC) para garantir um produto de qualidade e seguro para o consumidor.Microbiological analysis minimally processed fruits Food and Nutrition UnitAbstract: Minimally processed products have been described as products handled, prepared, packaged and distributed, passing through procedures such as screening, cleaning, washing, peeling and cutting that do not compromise their organoleptic characteristics and add value to them. Some of these procedures may provide injuries that result in acceleration of respiration ethylene production, senescence, maturation, decay and microbiological contamination. ethylene production, senescence, maturation, decay and microbiological contamination. Based on this assumption, this study aims to determine the microbiological conditions papaya, melon, pineapple and watermelon minimally processed, from a Power Unit Nutrition in a municipality in the State of Ceará Cariri Region. The analysis of total coliforms and thermotolerant and detect Salmonella sp, were performed according to the standards and methodologies of Americam Public Health Association. Through the results of this work based on the RDC No. 12, of 2 January 2001 the National Health Surveillance Agency, 4 samples showed fruit Count ≥2.4x103 MPN /g for total and coliforms thermotolerant and Salmonella sp. To suggest so review the Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and the adoption of a Hazard Analysis Program and Critical Control Points (HACCP) to ensure product quality and safe for the consumer.

Food Safety Security: A new Concept for Enhancing Food Safety Measures

2012 ◽  
Vol 82 (3) ◽  
pp. 216-222 ◽  
Author(s):  
Venkatesh Iyengar ◽  
Ibrahim Elmadfa
Keyword(s):  
Food Safety ◽  
Hazard Analysis ◽  
Warning System ◽  
Shared Responsibility ◽  
Fine Tuning ◽  
Strategic Action ◽  
Surveillance Network ◽  
Measurement Systems ◽  
Critical Control Points ◽  
The Impact

The food safety security (FSS) concept is perceived as an early warning system for minimizing food safety (FS) breaches, and it functions in conjunction with existing FS measures. Essentially, the function of FS and FSS measures can be visualized in two parts: (i) the FS preventive measures as actions taken at the stem level, and (ii) the FSS interventions as actions taken at the root level, to enhance the impact of the implemented safety steps. In practice, along with FS, FSS also draws its support from (i) legislative directives and regulatory measures for enforcing verifiable, timely, and effective compliance; (ii) measurement systems in place for sustained quality assurance; and (iii) shared responsibility to ensure cohesion among all the stakeholders namely, policy makers, regulators, food producers, processors and distributors, and consumers. However, the functional framework of FSS differs from that of FS by way of: (i) retooling the vulnerable segments of the preventive features of existing FS measures; (ii) fine-tuning response systems to efficiently preempt the FS breaches; (iii) building a long-term nutrient and toxicant surveillance network based on validated measurement systems functioning in real time; (iv) focusing on crisp, clear, and correct communication that resonates among all the stakeholders; and (v) developing inter-disciplinary human resources to meet ever-increasing FS challenges. Important determinants of FSS include: (i) strengthening international dialogue for refining regulatory reforms and addressing emerging risks; (ii) developing innovative and strategic action points for intervention {in addition to Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) procedures]; and (iii) introducing additional science-based tools such as metrology-based measurement systems.

Occupational and Environmental Health

2017 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Occupational Health ◽  
Environmental Health ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Practical Experience ◽  
Global Perspective ◽  
Clear Understanding ◽  
Practical Case ◽  
Environmental Sciences ◽  
Wide Range

This thoroughly updated seventh edition is a comprehensive, clearly written, and practical textbook that includes information on both occupational health and environmental health, providing the necessary foundation for recognizing and preventing work-related and environmentally induced diseases and injuries. National and international experts share their knowledge and practical experience in addressing a wide range of issues and evolving challenges in their fields. A multidisciplinary approach makes this an ideal textbook for students and practitioners in public health, occupational and environmental medicine, occupational health nursing, epidemiology, toxicology, occupational and environmental hygiene, safety, ergonomics, environmental sciences, and other fields. Comprehensive coverage provides a clear understanding of occupational and environmental health and its relationships to public health, environmental sciences, and government policy. Practical case studies demonstrate how to apply the basic principles of occupational and environmental health to real-world challenges. Numerous tables, graphs, and photographs reinforce key concepts. Annotated Further Reading sections at the end of chapters provide avenues for obtaining further infomation. This new edition of the book is thoroughly updated and also contains new chapters on climate change, children’s environmental health, liver disorders, kidney disorders, and a global perspective on occupational health and safety.

scholarly journals Regulation EU 2017/745 on medical devices – implementation analysis in Portugal by the distributors

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
H Vilaça
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Medical Devices ◽  
Stakeholder Involvement ◽  
Implementation Process ◽  
Regulatory Framework ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Public Health Action ◽  
Study Implementation ◽  
Implementation Analysis

Abstract The Regulation responds to legislation failures in the European regulatory framework on medical devices (MD), which in turn led to public health issues. Two media scandals triggered the final actions on the elaboration of this EU Regulation, which was already being thought off in a context of fast MD development, and on the commitment of member-states to harmonize legislation in order to better manage resources. This Regulation is expected to address detected gaps, and contribute to the protection of European citizens' health by ensuring high quality and safety of MD, through advocating for more transparency, vigilance, and traceability. A technique to evaluate policies is the implementation analysis, as it links theory and practice. By understanding it, it is possible to ascertain if, in fact, the Regulation will contribute, as proposed, to improve public health. The implementation analysis framework I developed can be used in other countries affected by this Regulation, and may even be extrapolated to other scenarios. Entry into force 25/05/17.Full application 05/20. This qualitative study uses document analysis and semi-structured interviews to collect data, and literature review to frame the situation and to study implementation analysis. The questions are: identify the facilitators and resistance points of the implementation; explore perceptions of the Portuguese MD distributors; understand the policy implementation pathway; and have a picture of the implementation status in Portugal. The results can be summarized as: implementers are interested in complying with the Regulation; there is stakeholder involvement in policy making and throughout the implementation process; the main points of resistance, difficulties and the facilitators are identified; and the Regulation is being implemented according to the timelines. The public health action brought by the policy is that each economic operator is an active actor on vigilance and patient safety across MD lifecycle. Key messages If we are interested in the extent to which a particular polity is able to solve the problems with which it is confronted, we need to study the way in which the law is executed in practice. Focus on the effective implementation of the new regulatory framework on medical devices to protect patients and ensure it addresses new and emerging challenges.

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