Early detection for food safety
The FSVO identifies emerging hazards to the health of Switzerland’s population. In this way it guarantees food safety in the long term, prevents fraud and deception and allows appropriate action to be taken in good time.
Early detection for food safety (FRESIL)
The FSVO distinguishes between the following types of hazards:
- Microbiological hazards in foods
- Chemical hazards in foods and consumer products
- Nutrition-related hazards
- Food fraud and deception
Monitoring system
To identify newly emerging hazards early on, the FSVO monitors societal and environmental changes, technological developments, economic trends and political conditions.
To perform these tasks, the FSVO operates an early detection system for food safety. This system considers information from a variety of sources, as well as the opinions of experts from the federal government, the cantons, industry and universities. The FSVO is also part of an international network that regularly shares information on new hazards, assesses these hazards and discusses the action to be taken.
More information: Website of the Emerging Risks Exchange Network, EREN)
Seismo Info: Monthly information on early detection for food safety
The FSVO summarises, evaluates and classifies the main information in Seismo on a monthly basis. Information on the latest issue can be found in the newsletter on food safety and nutrition.
You can subscribe to the newsletter (in German, French or Italian) here: Subscribe to the food safety and nutrition newsletter
The latest issue of Seismo Info:
You can find a visualisation of all reports on the FSVO Dashboard: Dashboard early detection for food safety
Signal Reports (briefing letters)
Signal reports are short compilations on specific topics, sometimes referencing in-depth research. They draw attention to hazards or risks that could affect food safety in the medium- to long-term.
You can find the signal reports under ‘More information’.
Anyone can contribute to early detection. Information and observations can be emailed to seismo@blv.admin.ch. Specialists from the FSVO check the information and incorporate it into the ADURA database or Seismo Info as appropriate.