Safer Plates: Belgium's Declining Food Outbreaks Offer Lessons for Global Food Safety

In a promising turn of events, figures from Belgium reveal a decline in the number of food-related outbreaks and affected individuals in 2023. This positive trend sheds light on the country's ongoing efforts to strengthen its food safety measures and serves as a model for other nations seeking to enhance consumer protection.

Safeguarding Plates: Belgium's Proactive Approach to Food Safety

Downward Trend in Outbreaks and Illnesses

The Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain's (FASFC) annual report highlights a significant decrease in the number of food-related outbreaks and affected individuals in Belgium during 2023. The data shows that 722 outbreaks were reported, with 3,194 people affected, 76 hospitalized, and one fatality. This is a marked improvement from the previous year, which saw 830 outbreaks, 4,247 people sick, and two deaths.

Identifying the Culprits: Tracing the Causes of Outbreaks

The report delves deeper into the underlying causes of these outbreaks, revealing that in only six cases could the source be definitively traced to contaminated food. By analyzing food and human samples, the authorities were able to identify the specific bacteria, viruses, or toxins responsible for triggering the illnesses.

Viral Threats and Bacterial Challenges

Sciensano, Belgium's national public health institute, provided further insights into the types of pathogens involved. Viruses, such as norovirus, were responsible for 15 outbreaks affecting 478 individuals, with two incidents linked to oyster consumption. Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) was behind 14 outbreaks, affecting 48 people, with one case tied to fermented raw milk. Salmonella and Bacillus cereus caused seven outbreaks, affecting 38 and 60 individuals, respectively. Listeria outbreaks resulted in one fatality among 17 cases, while three outbreaks caused by parasites affected 17 patients. Two Clostridium perfringens outbreaks affected 53 individuals.

Measuring Progress: The Food Safety Barometer

Belgium's food safety barometer, a tool used to track changes in the state of food safety, has seen a 2.2% increase from 2022 to 2023. This rise can be attributed to a decline in the number of people affected by potential food poisoning, a reduction in salmonellosis cases, and fewer findings of Campylobacter in carcasses and meat.

Recalls and Fraud: Safeguarding Consumers

In 2023, Belgian food companies recalled 254 products from consumers, a decrease from the 289 recalls the previous year. Additionally, there were 85 warnings, primarily due to undeclared product allergens or incorrect packaging dates. More than 80% of these recalls were prompted by chemical or microbiological risks.The consumer contact point handled 4,865 complaints in 2023, with a third related to hygiene issues and the second-largest group concerning suspected food-borne illnesses. Investigations following these complaints revealed that about half of the issues raised were justified, and in 5% of cases, additional concerns were identified.

Collaboration and Vigilance: Belgium's Role in the European Food Safety Network

Belgium's participation in the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) network, which facilitates information-sharing among EU member states, saw the country make 379 notifications in 2023. Belgian products were the origin of 132 of these alerts.Operators in Belgium also made 1,433 notifications, an increase from 2022, with microbiological and chemical risks being the primary concerns. Salmonella was the most frequently reported microbial issue, occurring in almost 250 instances.

Combating Food Fraud: Belgium's Investigative Efforts

Belgium's investigations unit recorded nearly 900 reports of potential food fraud in 2023, leading to the opening of more than 600 investigations. The unit also received 156 reports and sent 113 notices through the European Administrative Assistance and Cooperation System – Food Fraud (AAC-FF).These efforts have included participation in Europol's Silver Axe operation, which targets illegal plant protection products, and Operation Opson, which focuses on counterfeit food and drink. Additional controls have been conducted on food supplements, sunflower oil, American and Asian sweets, and the use of sulfites by butchers, as well as at airports and via road checks.