In the year 2023, the world witnessed a worrying journey in terms of food safety, marked by alarming outbreaks and unexpected incidents that spanned continents. The challenges ranged from Salmonella outbreaks in Sweden to renewed scrutiny of Poland, occurrences of botulism, and the global debates surrounding Japan’s Fukushima. Here’s a detailed recap of the key events that unfolded throughout the year.
Sweden’s Salmonella outbreak:
Sweden faced an unexpected Salmonella Enteritidis outbreak, primarily affecting commercial laying hens. The outbreak, which began in December 2022 and extended into February 2023, resulted in 82 reported cases across 17 regions. Despite extensive cleanup efforts and hen culling at the country’s largest egg-producing facility, CA Cedergren, the outbreak strain persisted during spring and summer. Investigations into the strain’s presence in the centralized breeding pyramid are currently ongoing at the EU level.
Poland’s Poultry Predicament:
Poland continued to grapple with Salmonella in its poultry products, prompting concerns both domestically and internationally. In 2022, the EU’s Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) recorded 190 Salmonella notifications related to Polish poultry meat products. The situation escalated in 2023, with 200 cases of salmonellosis reported in the United Kingdom, attributed to various strains of Salmonella Enteritidis. Investigations revealed links between 335 Salmonella infections in 14 EU countries, the UK, and the U.S., raising additional concerns about antibiotic use in the industry.
Norway and UK E. coli Outbreaks:
Norway faced one of its most severe E. coli outbreaks, with E. coli O26:H11 detected in 24 people, including 15 children. Nine children developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a type of kidney failure. The outbreak was linked to a hamburger, leading to the withdrawal of other minced (ground) meat products that utilized the same raw materials. In the UK, a Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) O183 outbreak affected at least 25 people, resulting in hospitalizations, one case of HUS, and one fatality.
Unusual Outbreaks :
Finland and Portugal: Two noteworthy and unusual outbreaks caught attention in 2023. In Finland, a large outbreak was traced back to high levels of an additive in tortillas. More than 800 people, mainly children, were affected in August in Mikkeli. Investigations revealed excessively high concentrations of calcium propionate in tortillas from Poland, used as a preservative. In Portugal, an outbreak associated with broa de milho (a type of cornbread) affected over 200 people in July. The presence of tropane alkaloids atropine and scopolamine at exceptionally high levels pointed to contamination with seeds from the Datura genus, found as weeds in cultivated fields.
Rise in Botulism Incidents:
The year 2023 witnessed a concerning rise in botulism incidents, particularly those linked to commercial products. In Australia, almond milk was associated with a case of botulism at the start of the year. In Spain, 11 people fell ill after consuming a specific type of Spanish omelet in July. Another 16 people developed botulism in France in September after consuming sardines at a restaurant. Multiple recalls were initiated in various countries, highlighting issues such as incorrect product storage, missing instructions, and the growing popularity of artisanal, local, and homemade items.
Japan’s Fukushima Dilemma:
Japan made a significant decision to release water stored at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power station into the sea. Treated through an Advanced Liquid Processing System (ALPS) to remove almost all radioactivity except tritium, the move received backing from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and several countries, including the United States. However, China, Hong Kong, and Russia imposed import restrictions on seafood products from Japan, leading to ongoing World Trade Organization (WTO) discussions.
Food Security Outlook for 2023: Challenges and EU Actions
In 2023, global food prices have been decreasing, but many countries still face high food inflation, notably reaching 14.1% in the euro area. This discrepancy is due to challenges like geopolitical uncertainty impacting prices, despite some positive trends. Lower energy prices may help ease inflation in agri-food chains and influence farmers’ fertilizer use, affecting future crop yields.
The EU has initiatives like solidarity lanes and the Black Sea Grain initiative, facilitating safe Ukrainian food exports. However, geopolitical factors, like Russia’s stance on renewing agreements, could disrupt exports, impacting global markets and food-stressed nations. Persistent drought in East Africa and potential weather shocks in Europe pose additional threats to food security.
Addressing these concerns, the EU is actively working to strengthen global food security. In response to the war in Ukraine, the European Commission has implemented measures to support farmers and boost agricultural production. Solidarity lanes have allowed Ukraine to export agricultural products, and the EU has allocated funds for global food security. The Commission also aims to enhance agricultural resilience by reducing dependency on critical imports and promoting sustainable food systems.
Personal Achievement Amid Challenges
In a somewhat contrasting development, The Alliance to Stop Foodborne Illness recognized the contributions of food safety professionals under 40. The announcement included the unveiling of the Top 40 Food Safety Professionals Under 40, among whom the author of this recap was honored. While this recognition served as a career highlight, the author emphasized the shared responsibility in food safety and advocated for increased information sharing and transparency with the public.
As the year comes to a close, the global food industry faces calls for enhanced safety measures, increased transparency, and strengthened collaboration to ensure a safer and healthier future.