Risk Assessment of Specific Strains of Lactobacillus rhamnosus Used as "Other Substances"

The Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety (Vitenskapskomiteen for mattrygghet, VKM) has, at the request of the Norwegian Food Safety Authority (Mattilsynet; NFSA), assessed the risk of "other substances" in food supplements sold in Norway. These risk assessments will provide NFSA with the scientific basis for regulation of the addition of “other substances” to food supplements and other foods. "Other substances" are described in the food supplement directive 2002/46/EC as substances other than vitamins or minerals that have a nutritional and/or physiological effect. It is added mainly to food supplements, but also to other foods. VKM has not in this series of risk assessments of "other substances" evaluated any claimed beneficial effects from these substances, only possible adverse effects. The present report is a risk assessment of Lactobacillus rhamnosus Rosell-11 ND, Lactobacillus rhamnosus W71, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Lactobacillus rhamnosus Lr-329 based on previous risk assessments and also publications retrieved from literature search. The risk of the Lactobacillus strains listed above was assessed for the general population. However, in previous assessments of probiotics published by VKM, concerns have been identified for specific groups. Therefore, the risk was assessed for the age group with immature gastro-intestinal microbiota (age group 0-36 months), population with mature gastro-intestinal microbiota (>3 years) and vulnerable groups with mature gastro-intestinal tract. VKM has also assessed the risk of L. rhamnosus Rosell-11 ND, L. rhamnosus W71, L. rhamnosus GG and L. rhamnosus Lr-329 in food supplements and other foods independent of the dose and have assessed exposure in general terms. VKM concludes that it is unlikely that L. rhamnosus Rosell-11 ND, L. rhamnosus W71, L. rhamnosus GG and L. rhamnosus Lr-329 would cause adverse health effects in the general healthy population with mature gastro-intestinal tract. However, no data on long-term adverse effects on infants and young children were identified. As evidence is accruing that the early microbial composition of the neonatal gut is important for the development of the gut microbiota and the immune system of the growing child, it is not possible to exclude that a daily supply of a single particular bacterial strain over a prolonged period of time to an immature gastro-intestinal tract may have long-term, although still unknown, adverse effects on that development.

Risk Assessment of Specific Strains of Lactobacillus acidophilus Used as "Other Substances"

The Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety (Vitenskapskomiteen for mattrygghet, VKM) has, at the request of the Norwegian Food Safety Authority (Mattilsynet; NFSA), assessed the risk of "other substances" in food supplements sold in Norway. These risk assessments will provide NFSA with the scientific basis for regulation of the addition of “other substances” to food supplements and other foods. "Other substances" are described in the food supplement directive 2002/46/EC as substances other than vitamins or minerals that have a nutritional and/or physiological effect. It is added mainly to food supplements, but also to other foods. VKM has not in this series of risk assessments of "other substances" evaluated any claimed beneficial effects from these substances, only possible adverse effects. The present report is a risk assessment of Lactobacillus acidophilus W37, Lactobacillus acidophilus DDS-1, Lactobacillus acidophilus La-5 and Lactobacillus acidophilus La-14 based on previous risk assessments and also publications retrieved from literature search. The risk of the Lactobacillus strains listed above was assessed for the general population. However, in previous assessments of probiotics published by VKM, concerns have been identified for specific groups. Therefore, the risk was assessed for the age group with immature gastro-intestinal microbiota (age group 0-36 months), population with mature gastro-intestinal microbiota (>3 years) and vulnerable groups with mature gastro-intestinal tract. VKM has also assessed the risk of L. acidophilus W37, L. acidophilus DDS-1, L. acidophilus La-5 and L. acidophilus La-14 in food supplements and other foods independent of the dose and have assessed exposure in general terms. VKM concludes that it is unlikely that L. acidophilus W37, L. acidophilus DDS-1, L. acidophilus La-5 and L. acidophilus La-14 would cause adverse health effects in the general healthy population with mature gastro-intestinal tract. However, no data on long-term adverse effects on infants and young children were identified. As evidence is accruing that the early microbial composition of the neonatal gut is important for the development of the gut microbiota and the immune system of the growing child, it is not possible to exclude that a daily supply of a single particular bacterial strain over a prolonged period of time to an immature gastro-intestinal tract may have long-term, although still unknown, adverse effects on that development.

Risk Assessment of Specific Strains of Bifidobacterium spp. Used as "Other Substances"

The Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety (Vitenskapskomiteen for mattrygghet, VKM) has, at the request of the Norwegian Food Safety Authority (Mattilsynet; NFSA), assessed the risk of "other substances" in food supplements sold in Norway. These risk assessments will provide NFSA with the scientific basis for regulation of the addition of “other substances” to food supplements and other foods. "Other substances" are described in the food supplement directive 2002/46/EC as substances other than vitamins or minerals that have a nutritional and/or physiological effect. It is added mainly to food supplements, but also to other foods. VKM has not in this series of risk assessments of "other substances" evaluated any claimed beneficial effects from these substances, only possible adverse effects. The present report is a risk assessment of Bifidobacterium lactis Bi-07, Bifidobacterium bifidum W23, Bifidobacterium longum Rosell-175, Bifidobacterium breve Rosell-70, and Bifidobacterium animalis sub. lactis Bb12 based on previous risk assessments and also publications retrieved from literature search. The risk of the Bifidobacterium strains listed above was assessed for the general population. However, in previous assessments of probiotics published by VKM, concerns have been identified for specific groups. Therefore, the risk was assessed for the age group with immature gastro-intestinal microbiota (age group 0-36 months), population with mature gastro-intestinal microbiota (>3 years) and vulnerable groups with mature gastro-intestinal tract. VKM has also assessed the risk of Bifidobacterium spp. in food supplements and other foods independent of the dose and have assessed exposure in general terms. VKM concludes that it is unlikely that B. lactis Bi-07, B. bifidum W23, B. longum Rosell-175, B. breve Rosell-70, and B. animalis sub. lactis Bb12 would cause adverse health effects in the general healthy population with mature gastro-intestinal tract. However, no data on long-term adverse effects on infants and young children were identified. As evidence is accruing that the early microbial composition of the neonatal gut is important for the development of the gut microbiota and the immune system of the growing child, it is not possible to exclude that a daily supply of a single particular bacterial strain over a prolonged period of time to an immature gastro-intestinal tract may have long-term, although still unknown, adverse effects on that development.

Risk Assessment of Specific Strains of Lactobacillus plantarum Used as "Other Substances"

The Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety (Vitenskapskomiteen for mattrygghet, VKM) has, at the request of the Norwegian Food Safety Authority (Mattilsynet; NFSA), assessed the risk of "other substances" in food supplements sold in Norway. These risk assessments will provide NFSA with the scientific basis for regulation of the addition of “other substances” to food supplements and other foods. "Other substances" are described in the food supplement directive 2002/46/EC as substances other than vitamins or minerals that have a nutritional and/or physiological effect. It is added mainly to food supplements, but also to other foods. VKM has not in this series of risk assessments of "other substances" evaluated any claimed beneficial effects from these substances, only possible adverse effects. The present report is a risk assessment of Lactobacillus plantarum W62, Lactobacillus plantarum 299v and Lactobacillus plantarum HEAL9 based on previous risk assessments and also publications retrieved from literature search. The risk of the Lactobacillus strains listed above was assessed for the general population. However, in previous assessments of probiotics published by VKM, concerns have been identified for specific groups. Therefore, the risk was assessed for the age group with immature gastro-intestinal microbiota (age group 0-36 months), population with mature gastro-intestinal microbiota (>3 years) and vulnerable groups with mature gastro-intestinal tract. VKM has also assessed the risk of L. plantarum W62, L. plantarum 299v and L. plantarum HEAL9 in food supplements and other foods independent of the dose and have assessed exposure in general terms. VKM concludes that it is unlikely that L. plantarum W62, L. plantarum 299v and L. plantarum HEAL9 would cause adverse health effects in the general healthy population with mature gastro-intestinal tract. However, no data on long-term adverse effects on infants and young children were identified. As evidence is accruing that the early microbial composition of the neonatal gut is important for the development of the gut microbiota and the immune system of the growing child, it is not possible to exclude that a daily supply of a single particular bacterial strain over a prolonged period of time to an immature gastro-intestinal tract may have long-term, although still unknown, adverse effects on that development.

Risk Assessment of Streptococcus thermophilus Used as "Other Substances"

The Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety (Vitenskapskomiteen for mattrygghet, VKM) has, at the request of the Norwegian Food Safety Authority (Mattilsynet; NFSA), assessed the risk of "other substances" in food supplements sold in Norway. These risk assessments will provide NFSA with the scientific basis while regulating the addition of “other substances” to food supplements and other foods. "Other substances" are described in the food supplement directive 2002/46/EC as substances other than vitamins or minerals that have a nutritional and/or physiological effect. It is added mainly to food supplements, but also to other foods. VKM has not in this series of risk assessments of "other substances" evaluated any claimed beneficial effects from these substances, only possible adverse effects. The present report is a risk assessment of Streptococcus thermopilus, and it is based on previous risk assessments and articles retrieved from a literature search. The risk of S. thermophilus was assessed for the general population. However, in previous assessments of “probiotics” published by VKM, concerns have been identified for specific groups. Therefore, the risk was assessed for the age group with immature gastro-intestinal flora (age group 0-36 months), population with mature gastro-intestinal flora (>3 years) and vulnerable groups independent of age. VKM has also assessed the risk of S. thermophilus in food supplements independent of the dose and have assessed exposure in general terms. Other sources of S. thermophilus, such as foods, have not been included in the present risk assessment. VKM concludes that it is unlikely that S. thermophilus causes adverse health effects in the general healthy population with mature gastro-intestinal tract. Acquired resistance genes have been detected in this species and the assessment of susceptibility to antibiotics for each single strain is required. However, no data on long-term adverse effects on infants and young children were identified. As evidence is accruing that the early microbial composition of the neonatal gut is important for the development of the gut flora and the immune system of the growing child, it is not possible to exclude that a daily supply of a single particular bacterial strain over a prolonged period of time to an immature gastro-intestinal tract may have long-term, although still unknown, adverse effects on that development.

Risk Assessment of Lactobacillus helveticus Rosell-52 ND Used as "Other Substances"

The Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety (Vitenskapskomiteen for mattrygghet, VKM) has, at the request of the Norwegian Food Safety Authority (Mattilsynet; NFSA), assessed the risk of "other substances" in food supplements sold in Norway. These risk assessments will provide NFSA with the scientific basis while regulating the addition of “other substances” to food supplements and other foods. "Other substances" are described in the food supplement directive 2002/46/EC as substances other than vitamins or minerals that have a nutritional and/or physiological effect. It is added mainly to food supplements, but also to other foods. VKM has not in this series of risk assessments of "other substances" evaluated any claimed beneficial effects from these substances, only possible adverse effects. The present report is a risk assessment of Lactobacillus helveticus Rosell-52 ND, and it is based on previous risk assessments and articles retrieved from a literature search. The risk of L. helveticus Rosell-52 ND was assessed for the general population. However, in previous assessments of “probiotics” published by VKM, concerns have been identified for specific groups. Therefore, the risk was assessed for the age group with immature gastro-intestinal microbiota (age group 0-36 months), population with mature gastro-intestinal microbiota (>3 years) and vulnerable groups independent of age. VKM has also assessed the risk of L. helveticus Rosell-52 ND in food supplements independent of the dose and have assessed exposure in general terms. Other sources of L. helveticus Rosell-52 ND, such as foods, have not been included in the present risk assessment. VKM concludes that it is unlikely that L. helveticus Rosell-52 ND causes adverse health effects in the general healthy population with mature gastro-intestinal tract. However, no data on long-term adverse effects on infants and young children were identified. As evidence is accruing that the early microbial composition of the neonatal gut is important for the development of the gut microbiota and the immune system of the growing child, it is not possible to exclude that a daily supply of a single particular bacterial strain over a prolonged period of time to an immature gastro-intestinal tract may have long-term, although still unknown, adverse effects on that development.

Risk Assessment of Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus Used as "Other Substances"

The Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety (Vitenskapskomiteen for mattrygghet, VKM) has, at the request of the Norwegian Food Safety Authority (Mattilsynet; NFSA), assessed the risk of "other substances" in food supplements sold in Norway. These risk assessments will provide NFSA with the scientific basis while regulating the addition of “other substances” to food supplements and other foods. "Other substances" are described in the food supplement directive 2002/46/EC as substances other than vitamins or minerals that have a nutritional and/or physiological effect. It is added mainly to food supplements, but also to other foods. VKM has not in this series of risk assessments of "other substances" evaluated any claimed beneficial effects from these substances, only possible adverse effects. The present report is a risk assessment of Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus, and it is based on previous risk assessments and articles retrieved from a literature search. The risk of L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus was assessed for the general population. However, in previous assessments of “probiotics” published by VKM, concerns have been identified for specific groups. Therefore, the risk was assessed for the age group with immature gastro-intestinal microbiota (age group 0-36 months), population with mature gastro-intestinal microbiota (>3 years) and vulnerable groups independent of age. VKM has also assessed the risk of L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus in food supplements independent of the dose and have assessed exposure in general terms. Other sources of L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus, such as foods, have not been included in the present risk assessment. VKM concludes that it is unlikely that L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus causes adverse health effects in the general healthy population with mature gastro-intestinal tract. However, no data on long-term adverse effects on infants and young children were identified. As evidence is accruing that the early microbial composition of the neonatal gut is important for the development of the gut microbiota and the immune system of the growing child, it is not possible to exclude that a daily supply of a single particular bacterial strain over a prolonged period of time to an immature gastro-intestinal tract may have long-term, although still unknown, adverse effects on that development.

Risk Assessment of Lactobacillus casei W56 Used as "Other Substances"

The Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety (Vitenskapskomiteen for mattrygghet, VKM) has, at the request of the Norwegian Food Safety Authority (Mattilsynet; NFSA), assessed the risk of "other substances" in food supplements sold in Norway. These risk assessments will provide NFSA with the scientific basis while regulating the addition of “other substances” to food supplements and other foods. "Other substances" are described in the food supplement directive 2002/46/EC as substances other than vitamins or minerals that have a nutritional and/or physiological effect. It is added mainly to food supplements, but also to other foods. VKM has not in this series of risk assessments of "other substances" evaluated any claimed beneficial effects from these substances, only possible adverse effects. The present report is a risk assessment of Lactobacillus casei W56, and it is based on previous risk assessments and articles retrieved from a literature search. The risk of L. casei W56 was assessed for the general population. However, in previous assessments of “probiotics” published by VKM, concerns have been identified for specific groups. Therefore, the risk was assessed for the age group with immature gastro-intestinal microbiota (age group 0-36 months), population with mature gastro-intestinal microbiota (>3 years) and vulnerable groups independent of age. VKM has also assessed the risk of L. casei W56 in food supplements independent of the dose and have assessed exposure in general terms. Other sources of L. casei W56, such as foods, have not been included in the present risk assessment. VKM concludes that it is unlikely that L. casei W56 causes adverse health effects in the general healthy population with mature gastro-intestinal tract. However, no data on long-term adverse effects on infants and young children were identified. As evidence is accruing that the early microbial composition of the neonatal gut is important for the development of the gut microbiota and the immune system of the growing child, it is not possible to exclude that a daily supply of a single particular bacterial strain over a prolonged period of time to an immature gastro-intestinal tract may have long-term, although still unknown, adverse effects on that development.

Risk Assessment of Lactococcus lactis W58 Used as "Other Substances"

The Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety (Vitenskapskomiteen for mattrygghet, VKM) has, at the request of the Norwegian Food Safety Authority (Mattilsynet; NFSA), assessed the risk of "other substances" in food supplements sold in Norway. These risk assessments will provide NFSA with the scientific basis while regulating the addition of “other substances” to food supplements and other foods. "Other substances" are described in the food supplement directive 2002/46/EC as substances other than vitamins or minerals that have a nutritional and/or physiological effect. It is added mainly to food supplements, but also to other foods. VKM has not in this series of risk assessments of "other substances" evaluated any claimed beneficial effects from these substances, only possible adverse effects. The present report is a risk assessment of Lactococcus lactis W58, and it is based on previous risk assessments and articles retrieved from a literature search. The risk of L. lactis W58 was assessed for the general population. However, in previous assessments of “probiotics” published by VKM, concerns have been identified for specific groups. Therefore, the risk was assessed for the age group with immature gastro-intestinal microbiota (age group 0-36 months), population with mature gastro-intestinal microbiota (>3 years) and vulnerable groups independent of age. VKM has also assessed the risk of L. lactis W58 in food supplements independent of the dose and have assessed exposure in general terms. Other sources of L. lactis W58, such as foods, have not been included in the present risk assessment. VKM concludes that it is unlikely that L. lactis W58 causes adverse health effects in the general healthy population with mature gastro-intestinal tract. However, no data on long-term adverse effects on infants and young children were identified. As evidence is accruing that the early microbial composition of the neonatal gut is important for the development of the gut microbiota and the immune system of the growing child, it is not possible to exclude that a daily supply of a single particular bacterial strain over a prolonged period of time to an immature gastro-intestinal tract may have long-term, although still unknown, adverse effects on that development.

Risk Assessment of Lactobacillus salivarius W24 Used as "Other Substances"

The Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety (Vitenskapskomiteen for mattrygghet, VKM) has, at the request of the Norwegian Food Safety Authority (Mattilsynet; NFSA), assessed the risk of "other substances" in food supplements sold in Norway. These risk assessments will provide NFSA with the scientific basis while regulating the addition of “other substances” to food supplements and other foods. "Other substances" are described in the food supplement directive 2002/46/EC as substances other than vitamins or minerals that have a nutritional and/or physiological effect. It is added mainly to food supplements, but also to other foods. VKM has not in this series of risk assessments of "other substances" evaluated any claimed beneficial effects from these substances, only possible adverse effects. The present report is a risk assessment of Lactobacillus salivarius W24, and it is based on previous risk assessments and articles retrieved from a literature search. The risk of L. salivarius W24 was assessed for the general population. However, in previous assessments of “probiotics” published by VKM, concerns have been identified for specific groups. Therefore, the risk was assessed for the age group with immature gastro-intestinal microbiota (age group 0-36 months), population with mature gastro-intestinal microbiota (>3 years) and vulnerable groups independent of age. VKM has also assessed the risk of L. salivarius W24 in food supplements independent of the dose and have assessed exposure in general terms. Other sources of L. salivarius W24, such as foods, have not been included in the present risk assessment. VKM concludes that it is unlikely that L. salivarius W24 causes adverse health effects in the general healthy population with mature gastro-intestinal tract. However, no data on long-term adverse effects on infants and young children were identified. As evidence is accruing that the early microbial composition of the neonatal gut is important for the development of the gut microbiota and the immune system of the growing child, it is not possible to exclude that a daily supply of a single particular bacterial strain over a prolonged period of time to an immature gastro-intestinal tract may have long-term, although still unknown, adverse effects on that development.

Risk Assessment of Lactobacillus paracasei 8700:2 Used as "Other Substances"

The Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety (Vitenskapskomiteen for mattrygghet, VKM) has, at the request of the Norwegian Food Safety Authority (Mattilsynet; NFSA), assessed the risk of "other substances" in food supplements sold in Norway. These risk assessments will provide NFSA with the scientific basis while regulating the addition of “other substances” to food supplements and other foods. "Other substances" are described in the food supplement directive 2002/46/EC as substances other than vitamins or minerals that have a nutritional and/or physiological effect. It is added mainly to food supplements, but also to other foods. VKM has not in this series of risk assessments of "other substances" evaluated any claimed beneficial effects from these substances, only possible adverse effects. The present report is a risk assessment of Lactobacillus paracasei 8700:2, and it is based on previous risk assessments and articles retrieved from a literature search. The risk of L. paracasei 8700:2 was assessed for the general population. However, in previous assessments of “probiotics” published by VKM, concerns have been identified for specific groups. Therefore, the risk was assessed for the age group with immature gastro-intestinal flora (age group 0-36 months), population with mature gastro-intestinal flora (>3 years) and vulnerable groups independent of age. VKM has also assessed the risk of L. paracasei 8700:2 in food supplements independent of the dose and have assessed exposure in general terms. Other sources of L. paracasei 8700:2, such as foods, have not been included in the present risk assessment. VKM concludes that it is unlikely that L. paracasei 8700:2 causes adverse health effects in the general healthy population with mature gastro-intestinal tract. However, no data on long-term adverse effects on infants and young children were identified. As evidence is accruing that the early microbial composition of the neonatal gut is important for the development of the gut flora and the immune system of the growing child, it is not possible to exclude that a daily supply of a single particular bacterial strain over a prolonged period of time to an immature gastro-intestinal tract may have long-term, although still unknown, adverse effects on that development.

Human Pathogens in Marine Mammal Meat

Background: Norway conducts commercial hunts for seals and whales, and since marine mammal meat and products are distributed to the public, these products are covered by the general hygiene control regulations. The control of meat from marine mammals is based primarily on organoleptic and microbiological spot tests. There is a general lack of knowledge available on the presence of potential zoonotic pathogens in marine mammal meat and products and on the potential risk for humans. The Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety (Vitenskapskomiteen; VKM), Panel of Biological Hazards (Faggruppe hygiene og smittestoffer) took the initiative to develop this risk assessment in order to identify possible risks associated with human consumption of meat and products from seals and whales. The risk assessment is based on scientific publications and reports, and documents that have been used for training of veterinary personnel in meat control. Animal welfare is not within the scope of this assessment. Main Conclusions: It is documented in this assessment that marine mammals may harbour several pathogens with the potential of giving disease in humans, and there are some reports on the transfer of such agents via meat from seals and whales. The Panel of Biological Hazards has not been able to document that human consumption of meat from seals and whales is associated to a risk of exposure to human pathogens in Norway, but the data on which this conclusion is build, is scarce and are too limited to draw firm conclusions. There are almost no data documenting the microbiological status of seal and whale meat that is distributed for human consumption and the control is ad hoc, based on spot tests and few animals. The general trend of increased consumption of raw or lightly cooked food may increase the risk for transmission of pathogens to humans. Considered suboptimal conditions for hygienic treatment of meat on board, as compared to abattoir conditions, as well as a long storage time in a non-frozen state (whale meat), it is crucial to secure the hygienic quality of the meat. The training of personnel in slaughter hygiene should be strengthened, and if meat is not frozen, an unbroken cold-chain should be documented through the production line from the slaughter to the retail level. A more systematic meat control practice (routine control) should be established. Broad-scale research projects, focusing on human pathogens in seals and whales, as well as monitoring and collating of data on contamination, are needed to further explore the risks of transmission of human pathogens from marine mammal meat.

Risk Assessment of Bacillus coagulans Used as "Other Substances"

The Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety (Vitenskapskomiteen for mattrygghet, VKM) has, at the request of the Norwegian Food Safety Authority (Mattilsynet; NFSA), assessed the risk of "other substances" in food supplements sold in Norway. These risk assessments will provide NFSA with the scientific basis while regulating the addition of “other substances” to food supplements and other foods. "Other substances" are described in the food supplement directive 2002/46/EC as substances other than vitamins or minerals that have a nutritional and/or physiological effect. It is added mainly to food supplements, but also to other foods. VKM has not in this series of risk assessments of "other substances" evaluated any claimed beneficial effects from these substances, only possible adverse effects. The present report is a risk assessment of Bacillus coagulans, and it is based on previous risk assessments and articles retrieved from a literature search. The risk of B. coagulans was assessed for the general population. However, in previous assessments of “probiotics” published by VKM, concerns have been identified for specific groups. Therefore, the risk was assessed for the age group with immature gastro-intestinal microbiota (age group 0-36 months), population with mature gastro-intestinal microbiota (>3 years) and vulnerable groups independent of age. VKM has also assessed the risk of B. coagulans in food supplements independent of the dose and have assessed exposure in general terms. Other sources of B. coagulans, such as foods, have not been included in the present risk assessment. VKM concludes that it is unlikely that B. coagulans causes adverse health effects in the general healthy population with mature gastro-intestinal tract. Acquired resistance genes have been detected in this species and the assessment of susceptibility to antibiotics for each single strain is required. However, no data on long-term adverse effects on infants and young children were identified. As evidence is accruing that the early microbial composition of the neonatal gut is important for the development of the gut microbiota and the immune system of the growing child, it is not possible to exclude that a daily supply of a single particular bacterial strain over a prolonged period of time to an immature gastro-intestinal tract may have long-term, although still unknown, adverse effects on that development.

Assessment of Antimicrobial Resistance in the Food Chains in Norway

The Norwegian Food Safety Authority (NFSA) asked the Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety (Vitenskapskomiteen for mattrygghet, VKM) for an assessment of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the food chains in Norway, with focus on each of the following food chains: pigs and pork products; poultry, eggs and poultry products; cattle and bovine products; aquaculture and aquaculture products; fresh produce (fruit, berries, and vegetables); and drinking water. AMR in imported food has not been assessed in this report. AMR in Norwegian food chains has been assessed in terms of probability of exposure to humans. Due to data constraints, it has not been possible to assess the consequences of this exposure for human health. VKM appointed a working group consisting of three members of the Panel on Biological Hazards, one member of Panel on Animal Health and Welfare, and four external experts to prepare a draft Opinion document and the answer the questions. The Panel on Biological Hazards has reviewed and revised the draft prepared by the working group and approved the Opinion document «Assessment of antimicrobial resistance in the food chains in Norway”. AMR can be described as the ability of a bacterium to withstand the effects of an antimicrobial. The clinical antimicrobial resistance crisis has focused attention on all uses of antimicrobial agents, including their use in human medicine, veterinary medicine, and in agriculture and aquaculture. AMR is considered the greatest challenge to face health care in 21st century, and there is increasing concern and debate about which roles the food production chains play as reservoirs and disseminators of AMR. This assessment addresses several food chains. The report does not characterise all forms of AMR that may occur in these chains, but puts emphasis on the resistant bacteria and resistance determinants that have emerged at the animal-human interface in recent decades. VKM’s choice is based on zoonotic potential and the limited alternatives available for treatment of infections. In order for a comprehensive and detailed assessment to be conducted, these particular resistance forms need to be characterised and assessed separately. At an overall level, the hazard regarding exposure of humans to antimicrobial resistant bacteria from cattle, milk/milk products, fish/fish products/seafood, fresh produce, water, and food processing in Norway is considered by VKM to be negligible. Current data regarding possible pathways for transmission of LA-MRSA via contaminated food/meat to the broader human population fail to implicate LA-MRSA from pigs as a foodborne pathogen. Compared with other animal products, poultry and poultry products are regarded as the most important reservoirs of ESBL/AmpC-producing Enterobacteriaceae, quinolone-resistant E. coli (QREC), and their corresponding resistance determinants. The probability of human exposure of ESBL/AmpC-producing Enterobacteriaceae and QREC via poultry is assessed as being non-negligible. Probability of AMR Transfer Associated with Food and Uncertainties: In this assessment, the probability of transmission of AMR from food chains to humans has been either categorized as negligible or non-negligible according to the following definitions: Negligible – the probability of transfer of AMR is extremely low. Negligible probability should be considered insignificant. Non-negligible – the probability of transfer of AMR is greater than negligible. Non-negligible probability should be considered significant, but the available data are currently insufficient to enable discrimination between the different levels. Lack of data has made it difficult to reach any firm conclusions regarding the probability of AMR transmission from food to humans in Norway. Similarly, ranking the probabilities with regard to relative importance is largely not possible with the data available. The probability of transfer of AMR from cattle, milk/milk products, fish, seafood, and drinking water has been assessed to be negligible. The probability of transfer of LA-MRSA from live pigs to humans is considered to be non-negligible, while the probability of transfer from pork to humans has been assessed to be negligible. The probability of transfer of ESBL/AmpC-producing Enterobacteriaceae, quinolone-resistant E. coli, and their respective corresponding genes from live poultry and poultry meat is considered as non-negligible. Processing of food, such as cooking or preservation, can reduce the number of bacteria in the products and thus decrease the transmission of antimicrobial resistant bacteria from food to humans. It should be noted that both categories of probabilities (negligible and non-negligible) in this assessment are associated with a number of uncertainties. Bacteria are living organisms that are under continuous evolution, and are able to adapt rapidly to changing living conditions. This report is an assessment of the current situation with regards to development and dissemination of antibiotic resistant bacteria and their resistance genes in the food chain. This situation may change as the bacteria continue to adapt to the selection pressures exerted by the worldwide use of antimicrobials. Such bacterial changes, sometimes occurring VKM Report 2015:29 9 in “quantum leaps” due to horizontal gene transfer (HGT), may also rapidly change the probability of transfer of resistance to specific antimicrobials. Data Gaps: There is a lack of knowledge regarding the vast reservoir of AMR in the environmental, animal, and food reservoirs. Furthermore, there is lack of data regarding the routes and frequencies of transmission of AMR from live, food-producing animals and foodstuffs of different origins to humans and vice versa.