A co-creation approach to identify drivers and indicators for emerging food safety risks in a changing food system

Due to changes in the environment and food production, food systems are changing and, as a consequence, food safety risks are continuously evolving. To respond to such changes, food safety monitoring and management systems must be proactive rather than reactive. Proactive food safety management starts with understanding when and how the food system is changing and which drivers are affecting it. This research aimed to identify drivers and associated indicators for determining emerging food safety risks through a co-creation approach. Literature search, interviews and interactive workshops were applied to select a set of most important drivers and sub drivers, with their indicators. Food safety experts were invited to discuss, revise, and add to this set of 11 drivers, 39 sub-drivers, and their associated indicators. Study results can be used to early identify relevant changes in the food system, which can give an early indication of emergence of food safety risks. Future research may wish to continue to monitor and regularly update this output and expand to a global focus.