Surveillance Webinar: Disease Surveillance Food Safety Applications-Surveillance Webinar: Disease Surveillance Food Safety Applications Recording

Video Transcription

Video Summary

This webinar, part of the Surveillance Systems and Environmental Health series for Preventive Medicine residents, featured Dr. Kathleen Gensheimer from the FDA discussing disease surveillance in food safety. She provided an overview of surveillance principles, the evolution of the food supply, and the history leading to the FDA's regulatory role. Foodborne illnesses affect 48 million Americans annually, with significant hospitalizations, deaths, and costs. Surveillance involves systematic data collection and analysis to detect outbreaks and guide preventive actions, emphasizing that data must lead to action. The complexity of modern, globally distributed food systems complicates outbreak investigations, requiring detailed traceback from patients to farms.<br /><br />Dr. Gensheimer highlighted the One Health approach integrating human, animal, and environmental health to better understand and mitigate zoonotic and foodborne diseases. Emerging threats include novel pathogens and changing environmental factors such as climate change impacting food safety. Examples like infant botulism linked to formula and avian influenza emphasize multidisciplinary collaboration among FDA, CDC, USDA, state, and local agencies.<br /><br />Challenges in outbreak investigation include delays between exposure and detection, difficulty recalling food history, and the need for cooperation across agencies. Surveillance data combined with whole genome sequencing enhances early detection of outbreaks. Public education and communication remain critical, though complicated by distrust and cultural practices.<br /><br />The FDA's role includes regulating 80% of foods, enforcing recalls, and working with partners to protect public health. Preventive medicine residents are encouraged to engage with the One Health initiative. The webinar concluded with a Q&A exploring collaboration among agencies, the role of inspectors, and strategies for prioritizing interventions. A subsequent webinar by Dr. Andrew Karasik will delve into practical outbreak investigations and reporting processes.

Keywords

Foodborne Illness Surveillance

FDA Regulatory Role

One Health Approach

Disease Outbreak Investigation

Food Safety Challenges

Preventive Medicine Education

Whole Genome Sequencing

Multidisciplinary Collaboration

Public Health Communication

Environmental Health Impact

Food Supply Traceback