Legal Regulation of Whole Genome Sequencing of Listeria monocytogenes in the Food Industry: Challenges, Attitudes, Possibilities

140 Pages Posted: 5 Jan 2024

See all articles by Christiane Hunsbedt

Christiane Hunsbedt

Independent

Lee A. Bygrave

Norwegian Research Center for Computers and Law - Law Faculty, University of Oslo

Annette Fagerlund

Nofima

Solveig Langsrud

Nofima

Date Written: January 5, 2024

Abstract

This report presents the outcome of legal research conducted under the aegis of the project ‘Food Safety with High Precision—Pathogenomics for the Food Industry’ (short title: PathoSeq). A central objective of the PathoSeq project has been to prepare the Norwegian food industry for challenges accompanying the introduction of whole genome sequencing (WGS) of foodborne bacteria. The report elucidates the legal rules that may affect the implementation of WGS of bacterial pathogens in the food industry, using Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) as a case study. While the report focuses predominantly on the Norwegian context, account is also taken of the experiences and practices of certain other European states, particularly Austria, in light of EU food safety rules. Three key issues are canvassed: (i) the role of WGS data in assessing the safety of food; (ii) access by food safety authorities to WGS data, or to isolates on which to perform WGS, from the food industry; and (iii) food business operators’ ability to receive Lm isolates and sequences held by the authorities. A special feature of the report is that it builds on, and presents, an extensive mapping of stakeholder perspectives on these issues and, more generally, on potentials, hindrances and needs in respect of mitigating Lm-related risk through WGS technology.

Suggested Citation

Hunsbedt, Christiane and Bygrave, Lee A. and Fagerlund, Annette and Langsrud, Solveig, Legal Regulation of Whole Genome Sequencing of Listeria monocytogenes in the Food Industry: Challenges, Attitudes, Possibilities (January 5, 2024). PathoSeq Project Report, WP5, University of Oslo Faculty of Law Research Paper No. 2024-01, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4685010

Lee A. Bygrave

Norwegian Research Center for Computers and Law - Law Faculty, University of Oslo ( email )

PO Box 6706 St Olavsplass
Oslo, 0130
Norway

Annette Fagerlund

Nofima ( email )

Tromsø, NO-9291
Norway

Solveig Langsrud

Nofima ( email )

Osloveien
1
Aas, 1430
Norway
+4790567218 (Phone)

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