Using Risk-Benefit Analysis and the Analytical Hierarchy Process to Decide on the Implementation of Rapid Salmonella...

Area of Science:

• Food Safety
• Decision Analysis
• Microbiology

Background:

• Food safety issues (FSI) require robust decision-making tools.
• Multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) offers a framework for complex evaluations.
• Rapid Salmonella assays are crucial for large-scale poultry operations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the benefits and risks of rapid Salmonella assays in the poultry industry.
• To assess the advantages of switching between different rapid Salmonella testing methods.
• To apply risk-benefit analysis (RBA) and analytic hierarchy process (AHP) for food safety decisions.

Main Methods:

• Utilized risk-benefit analysis (RBA) to assess Salmonella risks and assay costs/benefits.
• Employed the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) for pairwise comparisons and validation of RBA findings.
• Considered criteria including supply capacity, validation, cost, ease of use, support, and result time.

Main Results:

• RBA recommends rapid Salmonella assays for large poultry companies due to high benefits.
• AHP confirmed faster assays provide greater benefits, even at a higher cost.
• Key selection criteria prioritized supply capacity, technical support, result time, and international validation.

Conclusions:

• Rapid Salmonella assays are beneficial for large poultry industries.
• While RBA is simpler, AHP provides quantitative insights for method selection.
• The choice between rapid assay methods depends on business proposals and key performance criteria.