ABSTRACT
The war against foodborne diseases is facing new challenges everyday due to the globalization of the food market, climate change and changing patterns of human consumption as fresh and minimally processed foods are currently preferred by consumers (Schelin et al., 2011). Foodborne illnesses have a negative impact on the public health as well as on the economy of a country (Helms et al., 2003). They also have a negative impact on the trade and industries of the affected countries. Identifi cation of a contaminated food product can result in recalling of that specifi c food product leading to economic loss to the industry. Foodborne outbreaks may lead to closure of the food outlets or food industry resulting in job losses for workers, affecting the individuals as well as the communities. Localized foodborne illness outbreaks may become a global threat. The health of people in many countries can be affected by consuming contaminated food products, and may negatively impact a country’s tourism industry. The foodborne illness outbreaks are reported frequently at national as well as international levels underscoring the importance of food safety (WHO, 2011b).
