1
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Food
Food Institutional Research Measure
(FIRM)
NETWORK & TEAM BUILDING INITIATIVE
2006
PROGRESS REPORT FORM
Funded by the Irish Government under the National Development Plan 2000 - 2006
2
Section 1 – Network Information
Network No.: 06TNIUCD3
Network Title: Microbial Quantitative Risk Assessment Network of Ireland
Reporting Period: From1: 01/11/07 To: 30/04/08
Progress Report sent to RELAY: (please supply date) 19/06/2008
Network Co-
ordinator:
Professor Francis Butler
Start date:01/11/07 End date: 31/10/12
1 Note: all dates in dd/mm/yy
3
Section 2 - Progress and Results achieved to date*
Summarise the progress / results for the Network to date under the following
headings.
Section 2.1: Details of Progress in relation to outline 5-Year Plan (incl. Information on progress with regard to networking incl. scientific meetings, industry workshops / training events, web portal / electronic newsletter. Policy formulation at national / international level, activities with respect to external funding for research activities. Also include summary information on progress with regard to the scientific work programme).
The overall objective of the network is the development of a high calibre,
internationally recognised, multidisciplinary network of national experts on the
application of microbial quantitative risk assessment as a tool to underpin risk
management actions. The first six month period was essentially a network
‘formation’ phase including the formal ‘kick off’ meeting of the project, recruitment
of the project team; formation of the management structure and development of
the network programme for the first 18 months of the project.
Initial effort focussed on the formation of the Network Executive, specifically the
appointment of a Network Scientific Officer and Network Manager. This task was
successfully completed with the appointment of Dr. Ursula Gonzales Barron (UCD)
as Network Scientific Officer on the 1st April 2008 and Dr. Grainne Redmond
(UCD) as Network Manager (half time post) on the 1st January 2008. The
Network Executive is now complete and comprises of Prof. Francis Butler, UCD,
Network Coordinator, Dr. Geraldine Duffy, AFRC, Scientific Director, Dr Ursula
Gonzales Barron, UCD, Network Scientific Officer, and Dr. Grainne Redmond,
UCD, Network manager.
The project ‘Kick-Off’ meeting involving all the partners to formally finalise and
ratify the network activities for the first 18 month period took place on the 22nd
December 2007 (minutes attached). A second partner meeting took place on the
27th February 2008 (minutes attached) with particular focus on the scientific
activities of the network, the convening of a stakeholder forum in month 12 and
industry / scientific workshops in year 1.
As part of the project, a web portal has been developed to disseminate the
objectives and outputs of the network. This action has been completed earlier than
expected and the website www.ucd.ie/microbialrisknetwork is now active and shows
information/news about the networks activities, outputs and upcoming events. The
web portal will be maintained by the Network Manager and will be further
developed and updated over the course of the project.
Information relevant to the period under review should be indicated in bold text
4
No scientific meetings / industry workshops were scheduled during the first six
month reporting period. However the partner meetings have agreed initial meeting
themes to be held in the first 18 month period of the project - An international
scientific meeting on quantitiative risk assessment to be held in Autumn 2008 and
the initial theme for the industry workshop is performance objectives and the
challenge for the industry to meet the new EU microbiological criteria for
foodstuffs (EC 2073/2005
In the first six months, the network has been very active in the area of seeking
external funding for research activities. The project was involved in two EU 7th
framework applications - under the Call FP7-KBBE-2008B, which was for projects
focusing on Dissemination of Results from Projects, the project coordinator was
Dr. Kieran Jordan, a member of the Risk Assessment Network, and the Risk
Assessment Network was represented as a partner by its coordinator, Dr. Francis
Butler. A separate application as part of an EU Framework 7 Integrated project
was put forward by Teagasc, AFRC under the heading of the Risk Assessment
network of Ireland in February 2008. The project title was “Selection and
improving fit for purpose sampling procedures for specific foods and risks“ which
will directly support the goals and objectives of the Risk Assessment Network.
Arising from the evaluation process in April 2008, this project has been highly
scored and is now in negotiation for funding for a five year project.
An application as part a FIRM funded project was put forward by Teagasc, AFRC
on “Emergence of pathogens with resistance to biocides in use in the food industry
“ The proposal includes a task to be conducted by the Risk Assessment network of
Ireland on risk ranking of biocides. If funded the project will directly support the
goals and objectives of the Risk Assessment Network. At the time of writing of
this report, the proposal was still under evaluation by FIRM
The network was also active in the area of contributing to policy formulation at EU
level. In April, 2008, Prof Francis Butler, UCD and Dr Geraldine Duffy, Teagasc,
AFRC was invited to participate in an EFSA expert meeting on Salmonella in pork,
where Professor Butler presented the pork risk assessment model developed as
part of the joint FIRM / FSPB sponsored project on Risk analysis based control of
Salmonella in pork on the island of Ireland. Dr Duffy presented the outcomes of
the surveillance and tracking studies undertaken as part of the same project.
Arising from the EFSA meeting, the network is organising a follow up meeting with
VLA, UK to establish more formal links between Teagasc / UCD, the Network, and
the EFSA funded risk assessment of Salmonella in pigs that is currently underway.
Prof Francis Butler, UCD and Dr Geraldine Duffy, Teagasc, AFRC, reopened
previous policy work carried out with Dr Anna Lammerding as part of a joint FAO /
WHO funded work on Development of Practical Risk Management Strategies based
on Microbiological Risk Assessment Outputs. Prof Butler and Dr Duffy were part of
a working group preparing a case study on Escherichia coli O157:H7 in fresh raw
ground beef. During the reporting period, this working group held a series of online
5
consultations, culminating in the finalisation of a working paper on Escherichia coli O157:H7 in fresh raw ground beef to be hosted on the FAO web. The working
paper details the risk assessment work carried out by Teagasc / UCD on a risk
assessment model for on Escherichia coli O157:H7 in fresh raw ground beef and
develops some preliminary performance objectives for the manufacture of ground
beef using the principles of food safety objectives. Further work will continue in
this area under the scientific programme for the Network.
The scientific programme of the Network is primarily to carry out a number of
small scale collaborative actions in the area of microbial risk assessment. The first
scheduled activity was the development an inventory/database of existing national
data sources relevant to microbial risk assessment. This task has been completed
and a report has been prepared with the results of this inventory. The report will
also be uploaded onto the networks website and will be updated regularly to include
new data sources.
The objective of the second research activity is to rework existing risk assessment
models to improve overall accuracy. This task was due to start in the second
reporting period. Specifically, a Bayesian analysis of the sensitivity of pathogen
enumeration will be carried out in the second reporting period. The second activity
associated with this sub-task - An application of meta analysis techniques for
combining multiple literature sources for prevalence and other data at critical
points in the risk assessment has started. This work is focussing on the
refrigeration stage in the slaughter process for pigs. A comprehensive review of
the relevant scientific literature has been carried out and formal meta – analysis
techniques has been applied to the data. A draft scientific publication has been
written for this work.
6
Section 2.2: 18-Month work plan (provide information on progress in each task in relation to the
objectives, milestones and deliverables as outlined in the approved proposal). Report on each task separately using the template below.
Task No. 1 Start Date 1/11/07 Completion Date 30/4/09
Task Title Network Formation
Task Objective To ensure effective formation of the microbial quantitative risk
assessment network
Task Milestones M1.1 Appointment of Network Scientific Officer and Network
Manager
M1.2 A Network ‘Kick-Off’ meeting will be held
Task Deliverables D1.1 First Stakeholder meeting convened
D1.2 Web portal Development
D1.3 First E-Newsletter published
2.2.2 Progress Information -
Progress:
The focus of this initial task was the formation of the Network Executive, specifically the
appointment of a Network Scientific Officer and Network Manager (Milestone M1.1
Appointment of Network Scientific Officer and Network Manager). This task was
successfully completed with the appointment of Dr. Ursula Gonzales Barron (UCD) as
Network Scientific Officer on the 1st April 2008 and Dr. Grainne Redmond (UCD) as
Network Manager (half time post) on the 1st January 2008. The Network Executive is now
complete and comprises of Prof. Francis Butler, UCD, Network Coordinator, Dr. Geraldine
Duffy, AFRC, Scientific Director, Dr Ursula Gonzales Barron, UCD, Network Scientific
Officer, and Dr. Grainne Redmond, UCD, Network manager. Dr. Jim Sheridan (UCD) also
commenced work on the project (start date 1st March 2008) as a part time contract
staff, as provided in the work plan.
The project ‘Kick-Off’ meeting involving all the partners to formally finalise and ratify the
network activities for the first 18 month period took place on the 22nd December 2007
(minutes attached) (Milestone M1.2 A Network ‘Kick-Off’ meeting will be held). A second
meeting of project also took place on the 27th February 2008 (minutes attached) with
particular focus on the scientific activities of the network, the convening of a stakeholder
forum in month 12 and industry / scientific workshops in year 1. The outcomes of these
meetings have been conveyed to DAF.
As part of the project, a web portal has been developed to disseminate the objectives and
outputs of the network (Deliverable D1.2 Web portal Development). This action has been
completed earlier than expected and the website www.ucd.ie/microbialrisknetwork is now
active and shows information/news about the networks activities, outputs and upcoming
events. The web portal will be maintained by the Network Manager and will be further
developed and updated over the course of the project.
Outcomes: (i.e. milestones, deliverables, main conclusions / findings etc)
M1.1 Appointment of Network Scientific Officer and Network Manager: Completed
7
M1.2 Network ‘Kick-Off’ meeting: Completed
D1.1 Discussions on Stakeholder meeting: Ongoing
D1.2 Web portal development: Completed (see www.ucd.ie/microbialrisknetwork)
D1.3 E-Newsletter: Not yet started
Problems (if any) This task is on schedule and there are no problems to report
Future task work & likely time scale (if any) The focus of this task for the next 6 months will be:
• Maintaining/updating the Network website
• Organising Stakeholder forum (by month 12, 31/10/08)
• Development of E-Newsletter (by month 18, 30/04/09)
Comment on overall current task status: (not yet started / ongoing / complete / good or delayed progress, likely end date)
Ongoing
Task Completion Date 30/4/09
2.2.3 Completed Task Synopsis
Summary of the outcomes.
How they may be relevant to industry / other stakeholders
How they add / complement other task work in the network
How it has / may have added to the science / research base
8
Task No. 2 Start Date 1/11/07 Completion Date 30/4/09
Task Title Scientific Meetings/ Industry Workshops
Task Objective To organise the Networks scientific and industry workshops
Task Milestones
Task Deliverables D2.1 One Scientific meeting
D2.2 One Industry Workshop
2.2.2 Progress Information -
Progress:
In the first 18 month period of this task, the network will organise a scientific meeting on
the application of microbial quantitative risk assessment as a tool to underpin risk
management actions. An industrial workshop will also be organised in the broad area of food
safety objectives. These two activities were discussed at the two network partners
meetings and initial tentative themes were identified as follows:
• An international scientific meeting on quantitiative risk assessment to be held in
Autumn 2008 (Deliverable D2.1 Scientific meeting). This will be a group of invited experts
in the area of microbial risk assessment. The core of this group will be experts from the
EFSA funded risk assessment on Salmonella in Pork as well as other experts in microbial
risk assessment. Network partners from UCD and Teagasc have participated and presented
their existing risk assessment models and data at the inaugural expert meeting hosted by
EFSA in Copenhagen in April 2008. At that meeting the project coordinator extended an
invitation for a follow-up risk assessment workshop in Dublin in Autumn 2008.
• An initial theme for the industry workshop is performance objectives and the
challenge for the industry to meet the new EU microbiological criteria for foodstuffs (EC
2073/2005) scheduled for late 2008 (Deliverable D2.2 Industrial Workshop).
Both of these meetings are being organised by the project manager with the assistance of
RELAY as required.
Outcomes: (i.e. milestones, deliverables, main conclusions / findings etc)
D2.1 Scientific meeting: Ongoing
D2.2 Industry Workshop: Ongoing
Problems (if any) This task is on schedule and there are no problems to report
Future task work & likely time scale (if any) Future work on this task will involve finalising the topics for the scientific meeting and
industrial workshop and organising these events
Comment on overall current task status: (not yet started / ongoing / complete / good or delayed progress, likely end date)
Ongoing
9
Task Completion Date 30/4/09
2.2.3 Completed Task Synopsis
Summary of the outcomes.
How they may be relevant to industry / other stakeholders
How they add / complement other task work in the network
How it has / may have added to the science / research base
10
Task No. 3 Start Date 1/11/07 Completion Date 30/4/09
Task Title External Funding for Research Activities
Task Objective To facilitate external funding for research activities
Task Milestones
Task Deliverables D3.1 An annual report produced on the activities by the network in this
area
2.2.2 Progress Information -
Progress:
The focus of this task is to facilitate participation of the network partners in preparing
project proposals for funding by national/international agencies. This includes supporting
network partners to attend relevant international events and provide international visibility
for the network. In the first six months, the network has been very active on this task
with various funding opportunities explored as follows: These include:
EU 7th framework
The Network was involved as a named partner in a proposal for funding under the EU 7th
framework programme. The proposal was submitted in February 2008 under the Call FP7-
KBBE-2008B, which was for projects focusing on Dissemination of Results from Projects.
The project coordinator was Dr. Kieran Jordan, a member of the Risk Assessment
Network, and the Risk Assessment Network was represented by its coordinator, Dr.
Francis Butler. Unfortunately, when evaluated in April 2008, the proposal was not
shortlisted for funding, but the international consortium established is exploring further
funding elsewhere.
A separate application as part of an EU Framework 7 Integrated project was put forward
by Teagasc, AFRC under the heading of the Risk Assessment network of Ireland in
February 2008. The project title is “Selection and improving fit for purpose sampling
procedures for specific foods and risks“ will directly support the goals and objectives of
the Risk Assessment Network. Arising from the evaluation process in April 2008, This
project has been highly scored and is now in negotiation for funding for a five year
project.
An application as part a FIRM funded project was put forward by Teagasc, AFRC on
“Emergence of pathogens with resistance to biocides in use in the food industry “ The
proposal includes a task to be conducted by the Risk Assessment network of Ireland on risk
ranking of biocides. If funded the project will directly support the goals and objectives of
the Risk Assessment Network. At the time of writing of this report, the proposal was still
under evaluation by FIRM.
Outcomes: (i.e. milestones, deliverables, main conclusions / findings etc)
D3.1 An annual report on the activities of the network in this area will be produced by the
end of the 2nd reporting period (31/10/08)
Problems (if any)
11
This period had a particularly high level of activity in terms of funding opportunity. Activity
in the next 6 month period is conditional on funding opportunities becoming available.
Future task work & likely time scale (if any) Future work will respond to calls for proposals by national and international funding agencies
as they arise.
Comment on overall current task status: (not yet started / ongoing / complete / good or delayed progress, likely end date)
Ongoing
Task Completion Date 30/4/09
2.2.3 Completed Task Synopsis
Summary of the outcomes.
How they may be relevant to industry / other stakeholders
How they add / complement other task work in the network
How it has / may have added to the science / research base
12
Task No. 4 Start Date 1/11/07 Completion Date 30/4/09
Task Title Scientific Programme
Task Objective To carry out a number of small scale collaborative actions in the
area of microbial risk assessment.
Task Milestones M4.1 Preliminary model identified to model the factors affecting
growth and toxin production in milk
M4.2 Pork consumption data extracted for later inclusion in existing
risk assessment of salmonella in pork
Task Deliverables D4.1 Report reviewing data sources
D4.2 A scientific publication on the application of Bayesian analysis
to test sensitivity
D4.3 A scientific publication on the application of meta-analysis
techniques to prevalence data
D4.4 A scientific publication on the application of FSOs
2.2.2 Progress Information -
Progress:
Task 4a: The objective of this sub-task was to develop an inventory/database of existing
national data sources relevant to microbial risk assessment. This involved reviewing all
existing national funded projects (included all relevant FIRM / Safefood, EU Framework
funded projects). Factors entered in the database included microorganism, product, and
reported outputs (eg scientific papers, etc.). This task has been completed and a report
has been prepared with the results of this survey (see attached report) (Deliverable D4.1
Report reviewing data sources) and will be uploaded onto the networks website. The report
will be updated regularly to include new data sources.
Task 4b: The objective of this sub-task is to rework existing risk assessment models to
improve overall accuracy. This task was due to start in the second reporting period.
Specifically, a Bayesian analysis of the sensitivity of pathogen enumeration will be carried
out in the second reporting period (Deliverable D4.2 A scientific publication on the
application of Bayesian analysis to test sensitivity). The second activity associated with this
sub-task - An application of meta analysis techniques for combining multiple literature
sources for prevalence and other data at critical points in the risk assessment has started
(Deliverable D4.3 A scientific publication on the application of meta-analysis techniques to
prevalence data). This work is focussing on the refrigeration stage in the slaughter process
for pigs. A comprehensive review of the relevant scientific literature has been carried out
and formal meta – analysis techniques has been applied to the data. A draft scientific
publication has been written for this work.
Task 4c: This sub-task involves the investigation of methodologies for formulating FSOs
and associated performance objectives (Deliverable D4.4 A scientific publication on the
application of FSOs)
This work is being carried out in association with the Microbial Food Safety Risk
Assessment Group, Health Canada, Guelph. This work originated in the group
Task 4d: The objective of this sub-task is to model growth and toxin production by
S.aureus (start date 01/11/08). This work would model the growth of Staphloccus aureus
in finished raw milk products like cheese and would compliment ongoing EU 6th Framework
13
work on listeria in cheese. The study would model the factors (initial numbers, competing
bacteria, milk quality, temperature, aw) influencing growth of Staphloccus aureus as a
starting point for a later risk assessment of unpasteurised cheeses. This work would include
some modest laboratory growth trials. While this part of the project has not started,
planning of the experimental work and the logistics has commenced. The experimental
protocol has been completed and the network is currently in the process of recruiting a
student.
Task 4e Preliminary ‘data mining’ of exiting consumption data bases for data relevant to
risk assessment. This sub-task is due to start 01/11/08.
Outcomes: (i.e. milestones, deliverables, main conclusions / findings etc)
D4.1 Report reviewing data sources: Completed
D4.2 A scientific publication on the application of Bayesian analysis to test sensitivity:
Ongoing
D4.3 A scientific publication on the application of meta-analysis techniques to prevalence
data: Not yet started
D4.4 A scientific publication on the application of FSOs: Not yet started
M4.1 Preliminary model identified to model the factors affecting growth and toxin
production in milk: not yet started
Problems (if any) This task is generally on schedule and there are no problems to report.
Future task work & likely time scale (if any) Future work on this task will be in line with the work programme and will continue over the
next 12 months of the project. (the period of initial funding for the project)
Comment on overall current task status: (not yet started / ongoing / complete / good or delayed progress, likely end date)
Ongoing
Task Completion Date 30/4/09
2.2.3 Completed Task Synopsis
Summary of the outcomes.
How they may be relevant to industry / other stakeholders
How they add / complement other task work in the network
How it has / may have added to the science / research base
14
Section 3 - Details of Network Management to date
Management issues should be described under the following headings and include
reference to the relevant task / institution, where applicable.
Section 3.1: Scientific meetings (describe all meetings of the Network during the period
under review)
Two project partner meetings took place during this reporting period. The
inaugural project kick off meeting took place on the 22nd December 2007
(minutes attached). A second meeting of project also took place on the 27th
February 2008 (minutes attached) with particular focus on the scientific
activities of the network, the convening of a stakeholder forum in month 12
and industry / scientific workshops in year 1. The outcomes of these
meetings have been conveyed to DAF.
Section 3.2:Industry / Stakeholder workshops (describe all workshops / meetings with
industry / other stakeholders that have been organised / taken place during the period under review)
No Stakeholder meeting was planned to take place in this reporting period.
Section 3.3: Approved staff and staff modifications2 (type, role, institution, start date, difficulties, still outstanding vs. full complement etc.) Dr. Ursula Gonzales Barron (UCD) was appointed as Network Scientific Officer on the 1st
April 2008.
Dr. Grainne Redmond (UCD) was appointed as Network Manager (half time post) on the 1st
January 2008.
A part time contract was drawn up for Dr. Jim Sheridan (UCD) (start date 1st March
2008)
This represents the full staff complement to be recruited by UCD in the first 18 months
of the project.
Section 3.4: Approved equipment and equipment modifications2(type, institution, use, still outstanding, cost relative to budget etc.)
2 PCs and associated risk assessment software; located at UCD, for use in risk assessment
work. Actual total cost €4123 in comparison with a budget cost of €5000. One further PC
to host the website activites.
2 All modifications are with respect to the original, approved proposal
15
Section 3.5: Other modifications (previous queries, delays, advances, methods, equipment, staff, financial etc.)
The are no other modifications to the project to report.
Section 3.6: Summary of any other problems encountered / anticipated /
addressed
There are no other problems to report hindering progress of the project.
16
Section 4 – Physical Indicators to date
Section 4.1: Network members (incl. Names, Institutions and current national and international
projects that each member of the Network is involved in, incl. Amount of funding and funding agency)
Prof. Francis Butler (UCD)
Project Co-ordinator Safe and Healthy Foods -Microbial database (Joint FIRM HRB)
Other Projects Detection and surveillance of Enterobacter sakazakii along the infant formula food
chain (FIRM)
Prevalence and epidemiology of emergent strains of verocytotoxigenic Escherichia
coli (O157, O26 and O111) in Irish food animals at the pre-harvest and harvest
levels of the food chain (FIRM)
Occurrence of Salmonella on pork on the island of Ireland and an assessment of
the risk factors contributing to its transmission (Safefood - Food Safety Promotion
Board)
ProSafeBeef (EU Funded)
Improving the quality and Safety of Beef and Beef Products for the consumer in
Production and Processing (European Commission FP6)
Q Pork Chains (European Commission FP6)
Novel minimal processing of added-value extended shelf life fruit products
technology development (Teagasc)
Source Persistance and Predicting the Growth of Listeria Monocytogenes in Cheese
(Teagasc)
Novel Minimal Processing of Added-value Extended Shelf-life Fruit Products -
Andioxidant Retention (Teagasc)
Antimicrobial resistance in commensal and selected pathogenic organisms in dairy,
pig and poultry production in Ireland as a reservoir of resistance for animal and
zoonotic pathgens (FIRM)
SigmaChain (European Commission FP6)
Dr. Geraldine Duffy (AFRC)
17
Project Co-ordinator Development of rapid nucleic acid based methods and demonstration of equivalence
with cultural techniques for assessing compliance with forthcoming EU
microbiological criteria for fresh meat carcasses (FIRM)
Public health significance of emergent Campylobacter and Arcobacter spp. in the
Irish food chain (FIRM)
Anti-microbial agents (bacteriophage and bacteriocins) for control of
verocytotoxigenic E. coli at key stages in the beef chain (FIRM)
Research network on Verocytotoxigenic E. coli in Ireland (Safefood - Food Safety
Promotion Board)
Occurrence of Salmonella on pork on the island of Ireland and an assessment of
the risk factors contributing to its transmission (Safefood - Food Safety Promotion
Board)
Other Projects
Detection and surveillance of Enterobacter sakazakii along the infant formula food
chain (FIRM)
Prevalence and epidemiology of emergent strains of verocytotoxigenic Escherichia
coli (O157, O26 and O111) in Irish food animals at the pre-harvest and harvest
levels of the food chain (FIRM)
Application of biotechnology to control of spoilage and foodborne pathogens on
meat (FIRM)
ProSafeBeef (EU Funded)
Dr. Declan Bolton (AFRC)
Project Co-ordinator
Development of a technique to determine the influence of aerial contamination on
beef, pork and lamb carcases during slaughter (FIRM)
Control of blown pack spoilage in vacuum packaged beef (FIRM)
Investigations to establish the emergence of a range of new cytotoxic pathogens,
associated with cattle in Ireland (FIRM)
18
Regulation of the acid tolerance response in Salmonella species and its effect on
dietary control measures in cattle and pigs (FIRM)
Sentinel surveillance of Campylobacter in Ireland (Safefood - Food Safety
Promotion Board)
[PEN] Pathogenic E. coli Network (EU funded)
Other Projects
Nutraceutical and Functional Food Bioactive Peptides in Beef, Bovine Offals and
Fermented Meat Product (FIRM)
European Union Risk Analysis Information Network (EU Funded)
Research providing a knowledge base to support the sustainable development of the
farmhouse cheese industry (FIRM)
SAFE FOODS: Promoting food safety through a new integrated risk analysis
approach for foods (EU Funded)
Dr Jim Sheridan (Retired, formerly AFRC)
Investigations to establish the emergence of a range of new cytotoxic pathogens,
associated with cattle in Ireland (FIRM)
Dr.Wayne Anderson (FSAI)
Research providing a knowledge base to support the sustainable development of the
farmhouse cheese industry (FIRM)
Detection and surveillance of Enterobacter sakazakii along the infant formula food
chain (FIRM)
Dr Maeve Henchion (AFRC)
Project Co-ordinator Development of a Technology Commercialisation Toolbox For Publicly Funded Food
Research (FIRM)
Other Projects
Research providing a knowledge base to support the sustainable development of the
farmhouse cheese industry (FIRM)
19
Developing novel convenient meat based products by application of High Pressure
Processing (HPMeat) (FIRM)
Sentinel surveillance of Campylobacter in Ireland (Safefood - Food Safety
Promotion Board)
Occurrence of Salmonella on pork on the island of Ireland and an assessment of
the risk factors contributing to its transmission (Safefood - Food Safety Promotion
Board)
Development of healthier meats and meat products (FIRM)
Prof. Seamas Fanning
Project Co-ordinator Detection and surveillance of Enterobacter sakazakii along the infant formula food
chain (FIRM)
Prevalence and characterisation of Yersinia enterocolitica in animal populations in
Ireland (FIRM)
Research network on Foodborne Viruses (Safefood - Food Safety Promotion Board)
Other Projects
Development of low sodium solutions for the snack food sector (FIRM)
Zoonotic potential of rotaviruses: characterisation of rotavirus implicated in human
and animal disease and detection in foodstuffs (FIRM)
Investigations to establish the emergence of a range of new cytotoxic pathogens,
associated with cattle in Ireland (FIRM)
Prevalence and epidemiology of emergent strains of verocytotoxigenic Escherichia
coli (O157, O26 and O111) in Irish food animals at the pre-harvest and harvest
levels of the food chain (FIRM)
Regulation of the acid tolerance response in Salmonella species and its effect on
dietary control measures in cattle and pigs (FIRM)
Sentinel surveillance of Campylobacter in Ireland (Safefood - Food Safety
Promotion Board)
Occurrence of Salmonella on pork on the island of Ireland and an assessment of
the risk factors contributing to its transmission (Safefood - Food Safety Promotion
Board)
20
Prof. Michael Gibney
Project Co-ordinator Safety and nutritional quality of the diets of Irish children and adolescents (FIRM)
Diet, the large bowel microflora and metabolomic profiling of healthy human
subjects (FIRM)
Diet, genomics and the metabolic syndrome: an integrated nutrition, agro-food,
social and economic analysis (EU Funded)
Other Projects
Development of food consumption databases for risk assessment of food borne
chemicals, packaging materials and food fortification in Irish children and
adolescents (FIRM)
National Food Residue Database (2) (FIRM)
Prof. Patrick Wall
Project Co-ordinator The development of a longitudinal monitor of perceived risks from food in the
Republic of Ireland (FIRM)
Other Projects
Sentinel surveillance of Campylobacter in Ireland (2005-2008) (Safefood - Food
Safety Promotion Board)
Dr. Paul Whyte
Project Co-ordinator
Prevalence and epidemiology of emergent strains of verocytotoxigenic Escherichia
coli (O157, O26 and O111) in Irish food animals at the pre-harvest and harvest
levels of the food chain (FIRM)
Other Projects
Detection and surveillance of Enterobacter sakazakii along the infant formula food
chain (FIRM)
Identification of genes responsible for natural host resistance to Campylobacter
colonisation – tools to identify and breed genetically resistant chickens (FIRM)
Prevalence and characterisation of Yersinia enterocolitica in animal populations in
Ireland (FIRM)
21
Regulation of the acid tolerance response in Salmonella species and its effect on
dietary control measures in cattle and pigs (FIRM)
Sentinel surveillance of Campylobacter in Ireland (Safefood - Food Safety
Promotion Board)
Dr. Kieran Jordan
Project Co-ordinator
Research providing a knowledge base to support the sustainable development of the
farmhouse cheese industry (FIRM)
Plasma Sterilisation for the Inactivation of Food-borne Pathogens on the Surface
of Foodstuffs and Packaging as a Minimal Processing Technology (Enterprise
Ireland)
Milk quality for a changing dairy industry (Dairy Research Trust Fund)
Improved bio-traceability of unintended microorganisms and substances in food and
feed chains (EU Funded)
Other Projects
Detection and surveillance of Enterobacter sakazakii along the infant formula food
chain (FIRM)
Prevalence and epidemiology of emergent strains of verocytotoxigenic Escherichia
coli (O157, O26 and O111) in Irish food animals at the pre-harvest and harvest
levels of the food chain (FIRM)
Dr.Enda Cummins (UCD)
Functional properties of beta glucans from oats, barley and seaweed (FIRM)
Development of a high assessment methodology for evaluating ecological dispersion
and human risks from nanoparticles through environmental pathways (Environmental
Protection Agency)
Enhancing human health through improved water quality (Environmental Protection
Agency)
Prevention, control, treatment, management and risk analysis of Prion diseases
(NeuroPrion) (European Commission FP6)
22
Section 4.2: Industry involvement in Network (incl. names of industry participants in
stakeholder forum and any other input from industry during the period)
As the first six month period, was primarily a network formation period, there was
no significant industry linkage as part of the project work. This type of activity
will start in the second reporting period in association with the workshops being
organised by the project.
Section 4.3: Other stakeholders (incl. names and organisations of other members of the
stakeholder forum e.g. regulatory authorities)
The first stakeholder forum is planned for the second reporting period.
Composition of the stakeholder forum has not been finalised yet.
Section 4.4: Web portal / electronic newsletter activity (describe / enumerate number of hits on website / downloads etc.)
A project website has been developed to disseminate the objectives and outputs of
the network. This action has been completed earlier than expected and the website
www.ucd.ie/microbialrisknetwork is now active and shows information/news about
the networks activities, outputs and upcoming events. The web portal will be
maintained by the Network Manager and will be further developed and updated
over the course of the project. The website only went live in May 2008 and no
mechanism has been put in place as yet to enumerate number of hits / downloads.
It is anticipated that this software will be put in place in July 2008 and the
outcomes will be reported in the next reporting period.
Section 4.5: Description of the network outputs to date
Initial efforts focussed on the ‘kick off’ of the project by the project partners
and the formation of the Network Executive, specifically the appointment of a
Network Scientific Officer and Network Manager. This task was successfully
completed within this reporting period.
A project web portal has been developed to disseminate the objectives and outputs
of the network. This action has been completed and shows information/news about
the networks activities, outputs and upcoming events.
The project was involved in two EU 7th framework applications - under the Call
FP7-KBBE-2008B, which was for projects focusing on Dissemination of Results
from Projects, the project coordinator was Dr. Kieran Jordan, a member of the
Risk Assessment Network, and the Risk Assessment Network was represented as a
partner by its coordinator, Dr. Francis Butler.
23
A separate application as part of an EU Framework 7 Integrated project was put
forward by Teagasc, AFRC under the heading of the Risk Assessment network of
Ireland in February 2008. The project title was “Selection and improving fit for
purpose sampling procedures for specific foods and risks“ which will directly
support the goals and objectives of the Risk Assessment Network. Arising from the
evaluation process in April 2008, this project has been highly scored and is now in
negotiation for funding for a five year project.
An application as part a FIRM funded project was put forward by Teagasc, AFRC
on “Emergence of pathogens with resistance to biocides in use in the food industry
“ The proposal includes a task to be conducted by the Risk Assessment network of
Ireland on risk ranking of biocides. At the time of writing of this report, the
proposal was still under evaluation by FIRM
Network partners contributed to policy formulation at EU level. In April, 2008,
Prof Francis Butler, UCD and Dr Geraldine Duffy, Teagasc, AFRC was invited to
participate in an EFSA expert meeting on Salmonella in pork, where Professor
Butler presented the pork risk assessment model developed as part of the joint
FIRM / FSPB sponsored project on Risk analysis based control of Salmonella in pork
on the island of Ireland. Dr Duffy presented the outcomes of the surveillance and
tracking studies undertaken as part of the same project.
Prof Francis Butler, UCD and Dr Geraldine Duffy, Teagasc, AFRC, reopened
previous policy work carried out with Dr Anna Lammerding as part of a joint FAO /
WHO funded work on Development of Practical Risk Management Strategies based
on Microbiological Risk Assessment Outputs. Prof Butler and Dr Duffy were part of
a working group preparing a case study on Escherichia coli O157:H7 in fresh raw
ground beef. During the reporting period, this working group held a series of online
consultations, culminating in the finalisation of a working paper on Escherichia coli
O157:H7 in fresh raw ground beef to be hosted on the FAO web.
The network completed an inventory/database of existing national data sources
relevant to microbial risk assessment.
24
Section 5.1 Publications: (please list under the following headings)
Refereed Publications
National Reports
Scientific / Technical Articles / Abstracts
Practical/ popular publications
Other reports / publications
Soumpasis, I. (2008). Microbial Risk Assessment of Salmonella Typhimurium at pork
products focusing on farm level. Presentation at EFSA QMRA workshop Salmonella in pigs,
Copenhagen, 21st-22nd April 2008
Butler, F. (2008). Risk factors contributing to the occurrence of Salmonella on pork for
the Ireland. Presentation at EFSA QMRA workshop Salmonella in pigs, Copenhagen, 21st-
22nd April 2008
Section 5.2 Collaborative Links
Nature of the collaboration Organisation
Formal New
Pre-existing
Informal New
Pre-existing
Contractual New
Pre-existing
Formal Collaboration
The following were formal partners associated with the EU Baseline project an application
as part of an EU Framework 7 Integrated project which was put forward by Teagasc,
AFRC under the heading of the Risk Assessment network of Ireland in February 2008. The
project title is “Selection and improving fit for purpose sampling procedures for specific
foods and risks“
Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna (UNIBO) Italy
National Veterinary Institute (VETINST) Norway
National Centre for Technology and Food Safety (CNTA) Spain
Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (DKFZ) Germany
Université de Bretagne Occidentale UFR Sciences/UBO France
Hungarian Food Safety Office (HFSO) Hungary
Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS) Italy
Instituto Tecnológico Agrario de Castilla y León (ITACYL) Spain
Tierärztliche Hochschule Hannover (TIHO) Germany
National Agricultural University of Ukraine (NAUU) Ukraine
Health Department Government of Catalonia (HDGC) Spain
Faculty of Life Sciences (LIFE) Denmark
Section 5 – Scientific and Industrial Outputs
25
National Food Safety Agency
University of Navarra (UN) Spain
Agence Française de Sécurité Sanitaire des Aliments (AFSSA) France
The following were partners in a proposal for funding under the EU 7th framework
programme. The proposal was submitted in February 2008 under the Call FP7-KBBE-2008B,
which was for projects focusing on Dissemination of Results from Projects. The project
coordinator was Dr. Kieran Jordan, a member of the Risk Assessment Network, and the
Risk Assessment Network was represented by its coordinator, Dr. Francis Butler.
Technical University of Denmark DTU FOOD Denmark
University of Copenhagen KU LIFE Denmark
National Veterinary Institute SVA Sweden
Agricultural University of Athens AUA Greece
France Agency for Food Safety AFSSA France
University of Stuttgart STUTT Germany
Section 5.3 Industrial
Outputs With Commercial / Economic Potential
It is too early for the project to have output in this area
Type of output
Description / Numbers
Highly trained / skilled individuals
New knowledge / expertise
Improved links / collaborations with industry
Models (new and existing)
New management practices taken up
New product(s)
New technology – test methodologies
New production / packaging process(es)
New technology - equipment
Other
Industry involvement in the work programme
There has been no industry involvement in the project to date.
Nature of the participation Describe / enumerate
Input into the original proposal
Payment in kind
Shared expertise / consultation
Shared staff resources
Sub-contract / contract work
Use of company / plant facilities
Other
26
Section 5.4 Intellectual Property
No intellectual property has been generated by the project to date.
Patents:
Licenses:
Other:
Section 5.5 Outcomes with National Policy Potential / Public Good (Please describe)
Network partners contributed to policy formulation at EU level. In April, 2008,
Prof Francis Butler, UCD and Dr Geraldine Duffy, Teagasc, AFRC was invited to
participate in an EFSA expert meeting on Salmonella in pork, where Professor
Butler presented the pork risk assessment model developed as part of the joint
FIRM / FSPB sponsored project on Risk analysis based control of Salmonella in pork
on the island of Ireland. Dr Duffy presented the outcomes of the surveillance and
tracking studies undertaken as part of the same project.
The network is contributing to policy development at FAO / WHO level. Prof
Francis Butler, UCD and Dr Geraldine Duffy, Teagasc, AFRC, reopened previous
policy work carried out with Dr Anna Lammerding as part of a joint FAO / WHO
funded work on Development of Practical Risk Management Strategies based on
Microbiological Risk Assessment Outputs. Prof Butler and Dr Duffy were part of a
working group preparing a case study on Escherichia coli O157:H7 in fresh raw
ground beef. During the reporting period, this working group held a series of online
consultations, culminating in the finalisation of a working paper on Escherichia coli
O157:H7 in fresh raw ground beef to be hosted on the FAO web.
Section 5.6 Other Outcomes not Previously Listed
None to report.
27
Section 6 - Budget
Please complete the 4 worksheets in the excel spreadsheet. Please note the
worksheets are not linked.
Worksheet ‘Overall’: please complete as outlined. Please also insure to sign this
section.
Worksheet ‘Staff’: please complete the man-years for all researchers on the project
and the cost associated with contract staff.
Worksheet ‘Equipment’: please complete in full. The depreciated cost is the amount
that should appear in the equivalent section in Worksheet ‘Overall’
Worksheet ‘Travel and subsistence’: Please complete in full.