Water and food are major environmental transmission routes for Cryptosporidium, but our ability to identify the spectrum of oocyst contributions in current performance-based methods is limited. Determining risks in water and foodstuffs, and the importance of zoonotic transmission, requires the use of molecular methods, which add value to performance-based morphologic methods. Multi-locus approaches increase the accuracy of identification, as many signatures detected in water originate from species/genotypes that are not infectious to humans. Method optimisation is necessary for detecting small numbers of oocysts in environmental samples consistently, and further work is required to (i) optimise IMS recovery efficiency, (ii) quality assure performance-based methods, (iii) maximise DNA extraction and purification, (iv) adopt standardised and validated loci and primers, (v) determine the species and subspecies range in samples containing mixtures, and standardising storage and transport matrices for validating genetic loci, primer sets and DNA sequences.

ADA supports the need for continued communication regarding food and water safety from government agencies and the food industry. The ADA also supports increased research regarding food and water safety issues, public education on food and water safety, legislative changes to ensure a safe and adequate food supply, and development of disease-resistant strains and alternative approaches to pest control.

Concern is expressed about 2 recent decisions on protective additives to flour and drinking water in the British Isles. The first, a joint proposal by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, and the Department of Health, stated that the fortification and restoration of flour with certain minerals (iron and calcium) and vitamins (thiamin and nicotinic acid) would no longer be compulsory. The second was a recent court ruling in Scotland (also the topic of a pending test case in England) that it was beyond the power of a local authority to add fluorine to the water supply. The potential danger to human health in these 2 instances is discussed in light of recent findings. (wz)

"This book is a reference on food and water safety that will be useful for food managers, trainers/educators, food handlers, and consumers worldwide. The first two chapters emphasize the importance of food and water safety on health and life maintenance. Each chapter has an introductory paragraph that states the objective and scope of the chapter text. | Definitions of useful terms, tables, and illustrations serve to make the key points better understood and easier to remember. Review questions at the end of each chapter enhance the learning experience, and the chapter references will give the reader a chance to delve into areas of interest for further information. A unique feature of this book is the segment on foodborne disease outbreaks. | A selection of fifty cases are presented that provide important learning tools for problem-solving and evaluating foodborne illnesses. Water safety is explained in great detail, whether it is used for drinking and cooking or in recreational water facilities. | Numerous examples of etiologic agents that cause illness from contaminated food and water are discussed. Guidelines to supply safe food and water for emergencies that include preparedness in case of bioterrorism, power outage, floods, hurricanes, and other disasters are given. Practical guidelines about food and water safety when handling foods throughout the food chain are explored in each chapter. | In addition, a glossary of terms commonly used in food and water safety, with cross-references to the chapter contents, is included. In light of global trade and increasing cultural diversity in food consumption, this book also deals with challenges for the future to ensure a safe water and food supply."--Jacket.

Se elaboran unas lineas directrices, basadas en la experiencia de un grupo de laboratorios, para la preparacion a la acreditacion en microbiologia de aguas y alimentos. Se controlan principalmente tres flujos: personas, muestras y material, implantando las BPL a fin de tener una trazabilidad de todo lo que se elabora en un laboratorio para conseguir una fiabilidad y comparabilidad en los analisis y resultados.

Efforts to exclude disease organisms from farms growing irrigated lettuce and leafy vegetables on California's central coast are conflicting with traditionally accepted strategies to protect surface water quality. To begin resolving this dilemma, over 100 officials, researchers, and industry representatives gathered in April 2007 to set research priorities that could lead to effective co-management of both food safety and water quality. Following the meeting, research priorities were refined and ordered by way of a Delphi process completed by 35 meeting participants. Although water quality and food safety experts conceptualized the issues differently, there were no deep disagreements with respect to research needs. Top priority was given to investigating the fate of pathogens potentially present on farms. Intermediate priorities included characterizing the influence of specific farm management practices on food safety and improving our understanding of vector processes. A scientific subdiscipline focusing on competing risks is needed to characterize and resolve conflicts between human and environmental health.