The awarded consortium of EU institutions will carry out a quantitative microbiological risk assessment (QMRA) for Salmonella in pigs. It is in line with the European Commission's demands for a scientific opinion and information on the contribution of EU pig meat production to the burden of Salmonellosis in the EU. The consortium is also being asked to consider the effectiveness of a range of intervention measures across the food chain (from farm to consumption).

A key part of this risk assessment process is to ensure that the most relevant and up-to-date methods of carrying out a risk assessment in general, and for Salmonella in pigs in the EU in particular, are used. Of primary concern is how to develop a fit-for-purpose risk assessment based on EFSA’s terms of reference, in particular ensuring the EU as a whole is represented (allowing for differences between countries) and that those interventions required by EFSA are able to be modelled.

Science Workshops Organised

Therefore, the awarded consortium (VLA, RIVM, FOOD-DTU) is arranging two consecutive workshops in Copenhagen to gather scientific input from parties with an interest in contributing to this exercise.

• The first workshop, from 21-22 April 2008, will focus on the quality and relevance of methods in terms of applicability to the EFSA risk assessment objectives.
  
• The second workshop, from the 23-24 April 2008, will discuss the quality and relevance of data in terms of its applicability to the EFSA risk assessment.

Further information, workshop details and a registration form can be found at www.EFSA.com