The European Commission has answered several questions around new rules on the use of Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) in foodborne outbreak investigations. In a frequently asked questions document , the EU Commission has explained how member states should implement the new regulation. Performing WGS on Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, E.
coli, Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli associated or suspected to be associated with a foodborne outbreak is to become mandatory and results have to be submitted to the European Food Safety Authority’s (EFSA) WGS system. This system is connected to a similar database of human isolates, managed by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). Human and food isolates can be compared, helping to swiftly identify the cause of an outbreak as well as related batches, lots or consignments of potentially unsafe food, and improving collaboration between public health and food safety authorities.
WGS will need to be done on at least one bacterial isolate from pathogens obtained from animals, feed, food or production environments with a suspected link to an outbreak. Rules will apply beginning Aug. 23, 2026, to allow member states and EFSA time to adapt to the new requirements.
Epidemiological work still crucial The authority of each member state where an isolate is detected are responsible for undertaking WGS. The EU Commission said the regulation does not make food companies do WGS. However, it requests results of WGS an.
