Food Standards Scotland (FSS) is considering introducing thresholds for action for some pathogens based on either a UK or Scottish approach.
Using targets based on reported infections of key pathogens could help monitor trends and be used as a trigger to act. However, figures would need to be interpreted carefully because of underreporting, inability to separate food and non-food sources, changes in demographics, and impacts of year to year fluctuations in environmental factors, such as weather.
When reported cases breach the threshold, different steps would be considered including an investigation to identify reasons behind the increase; additional food sampling associated with the pathogen and risk communication to consumers using tailored messages.
FSS currently uses Public Health Scotland data on confirmed laboratory reports for five pathogens to monitor how foodborne illness is changing.
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