Projects
Inactivation of foodborne pathogens in food model systems by radio frequency processing KU Leuven
High numbers of foodborne outbreaks are reported yearly despite many efforts of the food industry. In order to ensure food safety, novel processing technologies are of interest. Radio frequency heating as a thermal processing technology, already has applications within the food industry (e.g., blanching, thawing). However, knowledge on its utilization for improving food safety (i.e., pasteurization/sterilization), is scarce. This doctoral ...
Research on the viruses NoV, HAV and HEV, which are transferable via certain food products, and contribution to risk assessment Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food
In this project we develop sensitive detection methods for viruses in high-risk food products. We also evaluate the effect of intervention and control measures. Viruses, in particular norovirus (NoV) and hepatitis A (HAV) are shown to belong to the most important causes of food-borne outbreaks in Europe. Concern is also growing about the emerging food-borne hepatitis E virus (HEV). Foodborne ...
Request for assistance in development of statistical analyses of methods for evaluation of data on antimicrobial resistance in zoonotic agent isolates from animals and food. Hasselt University
Transmission routes of Noroviruses, emerging human pathogens in food U+2013 NORISK U+2013 2nd phase Ghent University
The NORISK project aims to elucidate transmission routes of noroviruses, pathogens generally recognized as a leading cause of foodborne non-bacterial gastroenteritis.These goals will be accomplished by (1) development of detection methods for norovirus in food products, (2) investigation of (foodborne) norovirus outbreaks and (3) investigation of possible zoonotic transmission. Ghent University focuses mainly on development of norovirus ...
Preparatory work in the analysis and reporting of data on multi-resistance in antimicrobial resistance isolate based data collected from reporting countries for the year 2012 Hasselt University
Next generation diagnostics and susceptibility testing in biofilm-related prosthetic joint infections based on a better understanding of biofilm biology – an innovative translational approach KU Leuven
Foodborne illnesses remain a significant global public health problem with large economic consequences, despite the strict regulations regarding food safety. Salmonella represents the most common cause of bacterial foodborne outbreaks. We hypothesize that the publicly available exopolymeric substances (EPS) of the biofilm matrix made by this pathogen play an important role in gut colonization and invasion. EPS are therefore considered as ...
Importance of Salmonella biofilm exopolymeric substances (EPS) during gut colonization and invasion — potential of EPS inhibition as an evolutionary robust antimicrobial strategy KU Leuven
Foodborne illnesses remain a significant global public health problem with large economic consequences, despite the strict regulations regarding food safety. Salmonella represents the most common cause of bacterial foodborne outbreaks. We hypothesize that the publicly available exopolymeric substances (EPS) of the biofilm matrix made by this pathogen play an important role in gut colonization and invasion. EPS are therefore considered as ...
Occurrence and control of Listeria monocytogenes in the beef and pork supply chain KU Leuven
Despite the efforts already made by the sector, slaughterhouses and cutting plants are still confronted with the foodborne pathogen Listeria monocytogenes in the production environment and on carcasses and meat cuts. Its occurrence may result in meat contamination, leading to economic losses and a potential risk for public health, as evidenced by recent outbreaks. Therefore, there is a need for scientifically based knowledge to ...
Cold Atmospheric Plasma for food decontamination KU Leuven
Despite many efforts, a high number of foodborne outbreaks is reported yearly. In order to ensure the microbial safety of heat sensitive products, without the change of food properties, a search for mild decontamination technologies (e.g., cold atmospheric plasma (CAP)) has emerged. While the potential of CAP for food decontamination has been recognized, reproducible and general studies focusing on a more fundamental level are lacking. By ...