In an increasingly interconnected global food system, innovative approaches to food safety have emerged as critical tools for preventing outbreaks and protecting public health. Countries worldwide are mastering strategies that blend technology, international collaboration, and education to address foodborne risks, offering valuable models for broader adoption. These practices emphasize preparedness, real-time response, and harmonized standards to mitigate the staggering burden of foodborne illnesses, which affect nearly 600 million people annually and cause 420,000 deaths worldwide.
One of the most impactful innovations is the adoption of whole-genome sequencing (WGS) for pathogen tracking. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), in collaboration with international partners like the