Whilst there is a lot of attention and debate devoted to the societal burden that pathogenic microbes pose in terms of food safety, the problems associated with non-pathogens are far from well regognized. This situation is not desirable, since non-pathogens are responsible for a major economic burden and may be a bottleneck to solving current and future issues associated to food security and waste. Notably, there is not always consistency in differentiating pathogens from non-pathogens, whilst the regulatory approaches to the management of non-pathogens is even less harmonized than that of pathogens, and at times the priority balance between the importance of food security and of food safety is difficult to make. This session will provide a platform to debate the underlight position of non-pathogens, consider potential undersirable consequences thereof and reflect on  directions towards resolution.

Proposed topics & panel members

-        Controlling the economic burden of food spoilage: Roy Betts, Campden BRI, UK.

-        Food and crop spoilage by yeasts and moulds: Jan Dijksterhuis, CBS Fungal Biodiversity Centre, Utrecht, The Netherlands

-        Drawing the line between pathogens & non-pathogens: Peter McClure, Mondelez International, UK

-        Regulatory positions of non-pathogens around the globe: Christophe Dufour, Merieux NutriSciences, France

-        Minimizing spoilage to maximize food security. Eleni Pantiora, World Food Programme, Rome, Italy

-        Panel discussion lead: Leon Gorris