Salmonellosis – Salmonella bacteria as a threat to business
Salmonella is a type of bacteria in the Enterobacteriaceae family that can cause a disease known as salmonellosis. Salmonellosis is one of the most common infectious diseases – both in humans and animals. Animals and animal products are considered the main source of Salmonella. According to a report presented by the World Health Agency in 2015, foodborne infectious diseases can cause both short-term symptoms in the form of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea (commonly referred to as food poisoning), or lead to long-term negative health effects like kidney or liver failure or neurological disorders. A particularly serious course of foodborne diarrheal infectious diseases is observed among children under the age of 5, pregnant women and the elderly or those with weakened immune systems. According to the summary presented in the aforementioned WHO report, as a result of serious foodborne infections among children, the negative long-term effects of the disease in the form of delayed physical and mental development, affecting children’s quality of life, can be perpetuated. Non-double salmonellosis is a food-borne infectious disease and causes the highest number of deaths in the European region, reaching 2,000 deaths per year. Salmonella spp. is one of the most important foodborne pathogens, and infection with it is the third most common cause of death in the diarrheal disease category worldwide.
For food companies, the presence of Salmonella in food can be catastrophic to reputation, and lead to financial losses associated with recalls of contaminated products, the need for investigations, regulatory restrictions, financial penalties and other costs associated with loss of customer confidence and potential litigation. In addition, the need to comply with strict food safety regulations and regulatory requirements, such as HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points), can pose logistical and financial challenges for companies that must invest in proper procedures, equipment and training to minimize the risk of Salmonella contamination.
Food companies are not the only business sector at risk from Salmonella. Other industries, such as the fur industry, animal husbandry, zoos, adventure parks and other places where animals are present, also face Salmonellosis challenges. Salmonella can be transmitted between animals, as well as from animals to humans, potentially infecting workers, visitors and customers, and causing serious financial and reputational damage to companies in these sectors.
In response to these challenges, companies are increasingly turning their attention to innovative solutions for express testing of food and animals for Salmonella. Fast, accurate and easy-to-use diagnostic tools can help companies prevent Salmonella contamination, minimize the risks associated with salmonellosis and protect their reputation and financial interests.
To date, the most common methods for diagnosing Salmonella infections are culture-based tests; however, despite their high sensitivity and specificity, they are labor- and time-consuming tests. Rapid and relatively inexpensive methods for identifying Salmonella bacteria include genetic tests. Due to low equipment requirements, genetic isothermal testing methods are an ideal diagnostic solution for rapid veterinary diagnostics and in the food industry.
The introduction of modern diagnostic tools for express testing of food and animals for Salmonella has the potential to bring many benefits to companies in various sectors, such as the food industry, animal husbandry and water processing. By detecting Salmonella quickly and accurately, it is possible to respond more quickly to potential threats, minimize the risks associated with salmonellosis, protect a company’s reputation and ensure consumer safety. The introduction of innovative diagnostic solutions can also contribute to more effective management of production processes, monitoring of Salmonella risks at every stage of the supply chain, and meeting regulatory requirements and quality standards.
In conclusion, the introduction of innovative diagnostic solutions for express testing of food and animals for Salmonella is crucial for companies in various sectors that seek to minimize the risk of Salmonellosis and protect their reputation and financial interests. By using advanced diagnostic technologies, companies can more effectively manage Salmonella risks and contribute to food and animal safety in the marketplace.