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Published on: May 6, 2013
Informative Value of a Sample Investigation with a Predefined Sample Size using the Example of Listeria monocytogenes
Cara Förster1, Katja Nordhoff2, Jörg Fritzemeier3
1Department of Biometry, Epidemiology and Information Processing, WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training for Health in the Human-Animal-Environment Interface, University for Veterinary Medicine, Bünteweg 2, 30559 Hannover, Germany.
Ensuring food safety requires appropriate sample sizes for detecting zoonotic agents. This study highlights the uncertainties of small sample sizes, like the minimum five for Listeria monocytogenes, and emphasizes thoughtful study design for regulatory authorities.
Area of Science:
- Food safety and public health
- Veterinary regulatory science
- Microbiological risk assessment
Background:
- Foodborne diseases, particularly zoonotic ones, are a major public health concern.
- Food business operators must ensure food safety through regular testing for zoonotic agents.
- Regulatory authorities evaluate food safety investigations and may guide or conduct testing during crises.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the importance of study design and result communication by veterinary authorities.
- To address the challenge of determining appropriate sample sizes in food safety investigations, especially during crises.
- To illustrate the uncertainties associated with small sample sizes using Listeria monocytogenes as a case study.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of Commission Regulation (EU) No 2073/2005 regarding minimum sample sizes.
- Case study focusing on Listeria monocytogenes findings in a crisis situation.
- Evaluation of uncertainties and significance of results derived from small sample sizes (n=5).
Main Results:
- Minimum sample sizes, such as five for Listeria monocytogenes, often lack sufficient precision for conclusive results.
- Small sample sizes can lead to significant uncertainties in assessing food safety.
- There is a potential conflict between the need for feasible and conclusive investigations for regulatory authorities.
Conclusions:
- Thoughtful study design and clear communication of results are crucial for regulatory veterinary authorities.
- The precision and significance of results from small sample sizes must be critically evaluated.
- Authorities need robust methods to determine appropriate sample sizes for effective food safety control and crisis management.
