Modeling and risk assessment for Salmonella in meat and poultry

Abstract

Microbial risk assessment is rapidly becoming a well-recognized concept in the management of food- and waterborne microbial hazards. The process of conducting a risk assessment is a structured, systematic approach to integrate and evaluate information from diverse sources concerning the origin and fate of pathogens along the food chain and to determine the magnitude of public health risks. Quantitative modeling of the sources, prevalence, numbers, and behavior of food chain pathogens, such as Salmonella, and of the host/pathogen interaction and consequences are providing scientific information and insights useful for decision makers in managing the safety of the food supply.