Webinar delves into the impact of dietary chemicals on gut microbiome and health

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) organized a webinar entitled “Impact of dietary chemicals on the gut microbiome and health - A food safety perspective” on 12 June 2023.

Carmen Diaz-Amigo, FAO Food Safety Specialist, shared the main results of the three publications FAO recently released focused on assessing the scientific evidence regarding the impact of microplastics, and residues of pesticides and veterinary drugs on the gut microbiome and their potential connection to adverse health effects.

Catherine Bessy, FAO Senior Food Safety Officer, moderated the panel featuring Vittorio Fattori and Karel Callens (FAO), Sangeeta Khare (FDA), Yolanda Sanz (IATA-CSIC, Spain) and Marta Hugas, independent expert and former chief scientist in EFSA.  Panelists discussed knowledge gaps and areas that need further investigation with respect to gut microbiome data needed in food safety risk assessment.

Building on the results of the FAO reports and panelists’ views, Catherine Bessy concluded that clear guidelines for standardized microbiome data submission are essential for ensuring consistency and reliability in risk assessment. To achieve this, a multidisciplinary effort will be key. Finally, she highlighted that FAO needs to ensure that the potential of the advancements of science with regard to microbiomes, including gut microbiome, can be effectively assessed, harnessed and disseminated so that the benefits can be shared widely.

You can access the recording here

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