Case studies beyond nuclear/radiological accidents

Authors: Niemira, Brendan; KOMERPOD, MARI - Norwegian Radiation And Nuclear Safety Authority

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/8/2023
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Useful insights can be gleaned from case studies of food contamination events beyond the nuclear and/or radiological accidents which are the primary focus of this framework. Biological, chemical, and physical contamination are routine food safety risks for which food producers, manufacturers, and distributors have routine control, detection, and response procedures. How governments and markets respond to these types of contamination is dependent on several key factors. As case studies from which lessons may be learned, minor contamination events (i.e. those responsible for localized recalls and limited economic and regulatory impact) are less relevant for this framework than large-scale events. Therefore, this section will focus on illustrative contamination events, such as those involving multiple national trading partners, significant economic impact, notable public health consequences (illnesses, hospitalizations, and mortalities), new regulatory frameworks, and/or lasting trade balance impacts. In each case, the key takeaway will be how the response to the contamination event addressed the food safety and public health implications.