PROTECT - Quantifying microbial food safety risks due to climate change

Climate change is the defining issue of our time with multiple effects on the food system. Food safety is both directly and indirectly affected by climate and climate change. This project aims to develop a quantitative framework to assess the effects of climate change on microbial food safety. The dairy sector in Belgium and Malta is considered as a case study. This project will deliver a framework to obtain appropriate climate projections to study the effect of climate change on microbial food safety. The climate projections will be used to deduce the influence of climate change on microbial behaviour and food safety by developing impact models for the farm-to-fork continuum. This will help to quantify the food safety risks associated with climate change. Such a holistic approach can serve as tool for policy makers to identify and prevent risks associated with food safety. This contributes to the shift from the reactive to the proactive approach of climate action, and will help promote the resilience of our food system.