Charles Sturt scientist contributes to UN food safety panel

Professor Shokoofeh Shamsi from the Charles Sturt School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences was invited to attend the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) expert panel at its headquarters in Rome, Italy, in late May to review and update scientific advice on foodborne parasites.

“Foodborne parasites are responsible for a significant portion — around 30% — of foodborne illnesses globally, and the FAO is taking proactive steps to address foodborne parasites,” Shamsi said.

“For example, there are more than 5 million cases of food poisoning in Australia each year, both through businesses and at home.

“This is a huge number for a developed country such as Australia which only has a population of about 27 million, and can be prevented by storing, handling and serving food safely.”

Shamsi said the FAO collaborative global consultation with international experts in food safety and parasitology is a vital step in making sure international food safety standards reflect the latest science.

Professor Shamsi at the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) headquarters in Rome.

“The meeting brought together eight global experts to examine the current burden of parasitic disease, evaluate detection methods, and propose practical prevention and control strategies,” Shamsi said.

“The focus is on vulnerable populations and global equity in food safety solutions, with the goal to support countries in developing robust food control systems that protect consumers from foodborne parasitic infections, especially those most at risk.

“This consultation seeks to strengthen global food safety by offering evidence-based strategies for parasite control, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.”

The expert panel’s findings will inform updates to the Codex Alimentarius (or ‘Food Code’), the internationally recognised food standards framework that supports safer global food systems and helps countries implement practical solutions that reduce illness and improve public confidence in food systems.

“Enhancing Codex Alimentarius standards guidelines ensures better protection of public health, equitable food safety regulation and safer trade in food products,” Shamsi said.

The meeting focused on protozoal parasites such as Cryptosporidium, Giardia, Cyclospora, Trypanosoma and Toxoplasma, and contributes to future updates of the Codex.

Top image credit: iStock.com/jarun011