Co-chairs

Summary

WG3 was established to focus on Outcome 3 of the Alliance’s work plan, which aims for: a) national public health, animal health, and food analysis laboratories with enough capacity for FBD surveillance and food monitoring; and b) public health professionals trained and aware of the requirements for FBD investigation and notification.

The working group on laboratory capacity building has developed a global survey tool to map laboratory capacity-building efforts in food contamination monitoring and foodborne disease detection. The tool will help identify key actors, highlight gaps, and capture opportunities across regions, providing the evidence base to better target investments and coordination.

Work is also underway on a position paper that underscores the essential role of laboratory systems in food safety. The paper will aim to:

• Highlight how laboratories underpin sensitive hazard detection, effective foodborne disease surveillance, outbreak response and prevention.
• Identify global disparities in infrastructure, workforce, and quality systems, particularly in low-resource settings.
• Promote investment in advanced technologies such as whole genome sequencing, digital data systems, and integrated platforms.
• Demonstrate the value of laboratory capacity for health, trade, and the economy.
• Align with global strategies and commitments including the WHO Global Strategy for Food Safety, the One Health Joint Plan of Action, the International Health Regulations (2005), Codex texts, and the SDGs.
• Call for coordinated investment and action through the WHO Alliance for Food Safety.

In addition, members have provided technical input on a national food laboratory strategic plan and promoted the work of the Alliance at scientific conferences in France and Germany.

Highlights

• Strong labs mean safer food. A new position paper will highlight why laboratory systems are the foundation of foodborne disease surveillance and food contamination monitoring.
• Global disparities in food safety labs must be addressed. The Alliance is calling for investment in infrastructure, workforce, and innovation to close the gaps.
• From Whole Genome Sequencing to digital platforms, future-ready lab systems are key to detecting emerging food safety threats.
• Investing in food safety laboratories yields benefits for health, trade, and the economy: a message at the heart of the Alliance’s forthcoming position paper.