A silver lining of the pandemic: Whole-genome sequencing and food safety
Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) has been effectively used in the field of food safety, and yet it is still a challenge for low- and middle- income countries (LMICs) to fully benefit from it. Among the key issues, it is essential that policy-makers are aware of the usefulness of this technology.
In June 2021, FAO contributed a technical article entitled “A Silver Lining of the Pandemic: Whole-Genome Sequencing and Food Safety – The benefits of whole-genome sequencing are far ranging” to a Food Safety Magazine. The article highlights the usefulness of WGS in outbreak investigations and discusses in-depth the importance of having long-term and strategic investment options at the global level, for everyone to benefit from the technology and to level out the inequality among nations.
The COVID-19 pandemic made the world realize the critical role WGS has in microbiology. This momentum can be captured to promote mainstreaming this powerful tool in the area of food safety, especially given the more affordable technological options becoming available. Global open data-sharing of foodborne pathogen sequences is extremely beneficial because of the globalized food trade situations, therefore the relevant issues of privacy, ownership, and intellectual property rights need to be resolved at the global level.
Including bioinformatics in higher educational curricula in LMICs would help build the expertise needed to carry out WGS-related activities for the long term. Now that people are comfortable with virtual learning platforms, experienced countries and expert groups can help scientists in LMICs to learn more about the applications of WGS in food safety. FAO continues its effort to facilitate the knowledge transfer and relevant capacity development in application of WGS for food safety management.
Read the article – A Silver Lining of the Pandemic: Whole-Genome Sequencing and Food Safety – The benefits of whole-genome sequencing are far ranging
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