The European Commission has clarified new rules about Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) for foodborne outbreak investigations. This method will soon be a key tool in tracking down foodborne illnesses.
According to a document released by the Commission, member states must follow these new regulations. Starting from August 23, 2026, it will be mandatory to perform WGS on specific pathogens like Salmonella, Listeria, and E. coli when linked to foodborne outbreaks. Reports must be sent to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
The WGS system will connect with a similar database from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), making it easier to compare food and human samples. This collaboration helps quickly pinpoint outbreak sources and unsafe food products.
Each member state must carry out WGS on at least one bacterial isolate from animals, feed, or food tied to an outbreak. While the regulation doesn’t require food companies to conduct WGS, it does say that if they choose to do so, they must share the results with authorities.
“It benefits food businesses to work closely in these investigations,” the EU Commission noted. “By participating, they can help find the outbreak source and potentially reduce the impact on their operations.” However, a simple genetic match between a human case and food isolate alone doesn’t confirm the food as the source. More investigation, such as tracing back food supply chains and interviewing affected individuals, is necessary to establish a link.
Laboratory work can be complex. By the time outbreaks are detected, the implicated food may no longer be available for testing. In such situations, solid epidemiological data can still confirm the link between the outbreak and the food source.
Interestingly, a recent study by the European Food Safety Authority showed that WGS has led to faster outbreak response times in recent years. The technology can drastically reduce the time taken to identify the source of an outbreak, which is crucial in protecting public health.
The Commission also encourages member states to share WGS results from other tests. Gathering this data can enhance the WGS systems and improve future response efforts. In today’s interconnected world, swift action against foodborne diseases is more important than ever.
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