Prevalence estimation is a cornerstone of epidemiology, but diagnostic misclassifications often result in the measurement of “apparent” rather than “true” prevalence. Correction methods are used to address this problem. The frequentist Rogan-Gladen method, known for its simplicity, can lead to implausible results, especially for extreme prevalence values. Bayesian methods overcome these limitations and have many statistical advantages but can be complex and deter potential users. To improve accessibility, we have developed a simplified Bayesian model that allows for a closed-form solution. The simplification consists of neglecting uncertainties in the sensitivity and specificity values and assuming a non-informative prior distribution for the true prevalence. The result is a correction method that is as easy to use as the Rogan-Gladen method but mitigates some of its drawbacks. We compared this new approach with existing methods in a large simulation study. It showed that traditional Bayesian credible intervals consistently achieved coverage near 95 %, whereas simplified Bayes and Rogan-Gladen generally exhibited undercoverage, especially under large uncertainty in sensitivity/specificity. Simplified Bayes, however, improved boundary behaviour and coverage over Rogan-Gladen at low prevalences. Thus, the newly developed method represents a practical compromise: it improves upon Rogan-Gladen without the computational burden of traditional Bayes estimates and provides reliable performance when uncertainty in test characteristics is limited.

Introduction:The development of healthy and sustainable food-based dietary guidelines (FBDGs) is an essential measure to support the transformation to sustainable and resilient food systems. Shifting to more sustainable and healthy plant-based diets can benefit both human and planetary health, provided these diets are nutritionally adequate, healthy, environmentally friendly, and culturally acceptable. Methods:This study aimed to obtain a nutritionally adequate and healthy ovo-lacto-vegetarian diet that reduces greenhouse gas emission (GHGE) and land use (LU) by over 45% in comparison to the average observed diet among Austrian adults, while having the least deviation possible in terms of composition from this average observed diet using mathematical optimization. The results of the optimized diet served as a basis for deriving the ovo-lacto-vegetarian FBDGs. Results:The optimized diet met all dietary reference values (DRVs) except for docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and was associated with a potential 41% reduction in disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) compared to the observed diet-related burden of disease in the Austrian population. It resulted in GHGE of 2.5 kg CO2-eq (carbon dioxide equivalent), and a LU of 2.9 m2/day, corresponding to reductions of 58% and 61%, respectively. The share of energy from animal-based foods decreased from 29 E% (percentage of daily energy intake) in the observed diet to 21 E% in the optimized diet. Plant-based foods provided 65% of total protein in the optimized diet. The derived ovo-lacto-vegetarian FBDGs emphasize vegetables, fruits, grains and legumes, with only small amounts of animal-based foods, and recommend higher intakes of legumes and plant-based meat alternatives to support a shift toward a more sustainable diet. Discussion:This study demonstrates that it is possible to model ovo-lacto-vegetarian FBDGs that are healthy, nutritionally adequate and environmentally sustainable, offering a promising approach for future dietary guidelines. National-level dietary modeling should form the basis for the development of healthy and sustainable FBDGs in the future.

Outbreaks of infectious animal diseases pose significant challenges, including economic losses, animal welfare concerns, and disruptions to livestock production systems. Livestock movement is a critical transmission route during such outbreaks, and movement restrictions are commonly employed as spread mitigation measures. Understanding how such regulatory interventions affect livestock movement networks is essential for planning and implementing contingency measures and designing effective surveillance strategies. However, few studies have analyzed the interactions between network properties and regulatory perturbations during animal disease outbreaks. In this study, we assess the effects of two bluetongue outbreaks and their associated mitigation measures on the Austrian cattle movement network between 2003 and 2022. Using social network analysis and time series methods, we compare network properties using monthly cattle movement networks before, during, and after the outbreaks to identify any unexpected changes and assess network stability and variability over time. We found that the introduction of restriction zones led to temporary disruptions in network connectivity and reduced movement volumes, particularly when highly interconnected regions were separated by restriction zone boundaries. Many observed network metrics fell outside their predicted intervals shortly after the introduction of restriction zones. Subsequent measures that facilitated cattle movements, such as the establishment of a single nationwide restriction zone, vaccination of animals and vector-free periods, returned network indicators to expected levels, highlighting a notable degree of system resilience. Our findings demonstrate how network and time series analysis can be used to retrospectively evaluate the impact of regulatory interventions on livestock movement systems. The methodology presented here can assist veterinary authorities in evaluating disease outbreaks, understanding the impact of intervention measures on livestock trade, and planning future mitigation strategies. Ultimately, this approach supports veterinary authorities in effectively managing disease containment and minimizing disruption to livestock trade.

Introduction:Shifting to sustainable dietary patterns is essential for improving human and planetary health. Current dietary habits substantially contribute to non-communicable diseases and environmental impacts, particularly due to high consumption of animal-based foods. Food-based dietary guidelines (FBDGs) that integrate nutritional, health, and environmental dimensions are therefore increasingly important. While global frameworks highlight the need for sustainable diets, national guidelines must reflect cultural and regional contexts to ensure feasibility and acceptance. Mathematical optimization has emerged as a promising approach to develop such guidelines. Methods:This study aimed to update the Austrian FBDGs using mathematical optimization, incorporating nutritional adequacy, burden of disease expressed as disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), cultural acceptability, greenhouse gas emissions (GHGE), and land use (LU). Linear programming was applied to identify dietary patterns that meet nutritional requirements, minimize environmental and health impacts, and remain close to observed Austrian dietary intake. The optimized model outputs formed the scientific foundation for translating results into consumer-oriented national dietary guidelines. Results:The optimized diet met all nutrient recommendations and macronutrient distribution ranges. The resulting FBDGs emphasize higher intakes of plant-based foods, particularly vegetables, fruits, grains, and legumes, alongside substantially lower amounts of animal-based products. Meat intake should not exceed 300 g per week, while legumes are recommended at least three times per week. Compared with the current Austrian diet, the optimized dietary pattern suggests a potential reduction in diet-related health burden and environmental impacts (DALYs -43%, GHGE -58%, LU -61%), highlighting its potential to improve public health and reduce environmental pressures. Discussion:The updated Austrian FBDGs provide clear, quantitative recommendations that simultaneously ensure nutritional adequacy, reduce disease burden, and support environmental sustainability. As current meat consumption substantially exceeds recommendations, gradual dietary shifts are essential. Increasing legumes and minimally processed legume-based products can facilitate this transition. Effective implementation will require broad communication efforts and supportive food environments to the enable adoption of healthier and more sustainable dietary patterns.

BACKGROUND:Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a critical global health issue, with antimicrobial use (AMU) in veterinary medicine playing a relevant role in its emergence. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes and practices of Austrian veterinarians regarding AMU and AMR. METHODS:An online survey was conducted in 2022. Veterinary respondents were grouped according to their type of practice (companion animals, i.e., pets and horses; farm; mixed practice). RESULTS:Knowledge gaps were identified, particularly among companion animal veterinarians, with only 31% correctly recognising cefovecin as a critically important antimicrobial and 16% incorrectly stating it was a first-choice drug. However, treating groups of animals with orally administered antibiotics was correctly classed as having the highest influence on AMR by 75% of 165 respondents. With respect to deciding to use antibiotics, all practitioners considered a clinical examination to be important or very important, while cost considerations and owner expectations were classed by companion animal practitioners as being significantly less important than among farm and mixed practitioners. Of all 180 veterinarians, 47% reported using antimicrobial susceptibility testing always or regularly (approximately 20%‒50% of antibiotic treatments). LIMITATIONS:The small sample size may have introduced confirmation bias, as practitioners with a particular interest in AMU and AMR may have been more likely to respond to the survey. CONCLUSION:The findings confirm the need for additional training to improve prudent AMU and awareness of antimicrobial stewardship in clinical practice across all veterinary sectors in Austria. Future efforts should prioritise the knowledge gaps among companion animal practitioners, in particular.

This report of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) Advisory Group on Data presents the results of the group's activities in 2024. The mission of the group is to identify and launch projects solving the most pressing pain points of Member States and bringing benefits to the European food safety systems data and risk assessment community. In 2024, the Advisory Group reorganised its subgroups’ structure to ensure that all relevant topics could be progressed in an optimised way. In October 2024, the EFSA Symposium on Data Readiness for Artificial Intelligence took place in Parma, Italy. This was the first event planned by the Advisory Group on Data, bringing together renowned experts in the fields of AI. Also in attendance were members of the Advisory Group on Data subgroups, EFSA Advisory Forum members, EFSA Scientific Data networks members, EFSA's Focal Points and experts involved in Focal Point tailor-made activities on data.

This report of the European Food Safety Authority Advisory Group on Data presents the results of the group's activities in 2023. The group's mission is to demonstrate how digitalisation can improve food safety and nutrition in Europe. In 2023, the group carried out a survey among its stakeholders on data-related priorities. The group and its subgroups developed and prioritised new project ideas in the key areas and monitored the progress of ongoing multi-country data projects initiated by the group. The group liaised with the European Commission on ongoing data initiatives and discussed the implications and opportunities of digitalisation as well as the role of artificial intelligence (AI) for the European food safety data ecosystem.

This report of the European Food Safety Authority Advisory Group on Data presents the outcomes of the activities of the group in 2022. The mission of the group is to show how digitalisation can improve food safety and nutrition in Europe. In 2022 the group initiated five different tangible projects solving the most pressing pain points in the data management processes of the EU Member States and initiated the creation of six subgroups to foster more detailed and technical discussions on data in the European Food Safety System.

Animal movements represent a major risk for the spread of infectious diseases in the domestic swine population. In this study, we adopted methods from social network analysis to explore pig trades in Austria. We used a dataset of daily records of swine movements covering the period 2015-2021. We analyzed the topology of the network and its structural changes over time, including seasonal and long-term variations in the pig production activities. Finally, we studied the temporal dynamics of the network community structure. Our findings show that the Austrian pig production was dominated by small-sized farms while spatial farm density was heterogeneous. The network exhibited a scale-free topology but was very sparse, suggesting a moderate impact of infectious disease outbreaks. However, two regions (Upper Austria and Styria) may present a higher structural vulnerability. The network also showed very high assortativity between holdings from the same federal state. Dynamic community detection revealed a stable behavior of the clusters. Yet trade communities did not correspond to sub-national administrative divisions and may be an alternative zoning approach to managing infectious diseases. Knowledge about the topology, contact patterns, and temporal dynamics of the pig trade network can support optimized risk-based disease control and surveillance strategies.

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of ESBL/AmpC-producing E. coli and the resistance pattern of commensal E. coli, as well as the link between the use of antibiotics (AMU) and the occurrence of resistance in E. coli on Austrian dairy farms. AMU data from 51 farms were collected over a one-year period in 2020. Fecal samples were collected from cows, pre-weaned and weaned calves in 2020 and 2022. Samples were then analyzed using non-selective and selective agar plates, E. coli isolates were confirmed by MALDI-TOF analysis. Broth microdilution was used for antimicrobial susceptibility testing. The AMU of each farm was quantified as the number of Defined Daily Doses (nDDDvet) and Defined Course Doses (nDCDvet) per cow and year. Cephalosporins (mean 1.049; median 0.732 DDDvet/cow/year) and penicillins (mean 0.667; median 0.383 DDDvet/cow/year) were the most frequently used antibiotics on these farms, followed by tetracyclines (mean 0.275; median 0.084 DDDvet/cow/year). In 2020, 26.8% of the E. coli isolated were resistant to at least one antibiotic class and 17.7% of the isolates were classified as multidrug resistant (≥3 antibiotic classes). Out of 198 E. coli isolates, 7.6% were identified as extended-spectrum/AmpC beta-lactamase (ESBL/AmpC) producing E. coli. In 2022, 33.7% of E. coli isolates showed resistance to at least one antibiotic and 20.0% of isolates displayed multidrug resistance. Furthermore, 29.5% of the samples carried ESBL/AmpC-producing E. coli. In 2020 and 2022, the most frequently determined antibiotic resistances among commensal E. coli isolates were to tetracyclines, sulfonamides and penicillins. In addition, pre-weaned calves had the highest resistance rates in both years. Statistical analyses showed a significant association between low and high use AMU classifications for penicillins (in nDDDvet/cow/year) and their respective resistance among commensal E. coli isolates in 2020 (p = 0.044), as well as for sulfonamide/trimethoprim (p = 0.010) and tetracyclines (p = 0.042). A trend was also noted between the total amount of antibiotics used on farm in 2020 (by nDDDvet/cow/year) and multidrug resistances in commensal E. coli isolated on farm that year (p = 0.067). In conclusion, the relationship between AMU and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) on dairy farms continues to be complex and difficult to quantify.

Antimicrobial use in livestock production systems is increasingly scrutinised by consumers, stakeholders, and the veterinary profession. In Austria, veterinarians dispensing antimicrobials for use in food-producing animals have been required to report these drugs since 2015. Here, we describe the national monitoring systems and the results obtained for Austrian pig production over a six-year period. Antimicrobial dispensing is described using the mass-based metric, milligrams per population correction unit (mg/PCU) and the dose-based metric, Defined Daily Dose (DDDvet) per year and divided into the European Medicines Agency's prudent use categories. Pig production was divided into breeding units, fattening farms, farrow-to-finish farms, and piglet-rearing systems. Over all six years and all pig production systems, the mean amount of antimicrobials dispensed was 71.6 mg/PCU or 2.2 DDDvet per year. Piglet-rearing systems were found to have the highest levels of antimicrobial dispensing in DDDvet, as well as the largest proportion of Category B antimicrobials, including polymyxins. Although progress has been made in promoting a more prudent use of antimicrobials in veterinary medicine in Austria, further steps need to be taken to proactively improve animal health and prevent disease to reduce the need for antimicrobials, particularly those critically important for human medicine, in the future.

Cadmium is ubiquitous in the environment and in food and accumulates in the body, affecting kidney, lung, and bone. The aggregate exposure to cadmium was probabilistically estimated through two major routes: ingestion of food and water and inhalation of ambient air/tobacco smoke, followed by health risk assessment, with focus on the cardinal systemic effect of cadmium, nephrotoxicity. The magnitude of the aggregate intake was estimated with the Monte Carlo method, using actual occurrence and consumption data. As absorption rates of the individual exposure routes determine the internal exposure, alternative exposure scenarios considered different relationships between the absorption capacities for the individual exposure routes, according to published experimental and modelling data. Emphasis was placed on the exposure of women, a vulnerable population. Intake and internal exposure levels were compared with health-based guidance values and with a cut-off level for renal effects, respectively. Proportions of individuals with intakes exceeding these values, as well as contributions of the individual exposure routes to the aggregate exposure were calculated. The contribution of inhalation to the aggregate intake of non-smokers is negligible, whilst it is prominent for smokers. Risks are high for smokers, especially those consuming non-filtered cigarettes, and are maximized for women. Internal exposures of smokers exceed the cut-off value for irreversible renal effects up to 2.2-fold. The percentage of smokers with exposures exceeding the health-based guidance values is alarming, reaching 77% for women. Occurrence data gaps, simulation of the smoking pattern, and lack of information about passive smoking exposures are main sources of uncertainty.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a public health issue attributed to the misuse of antibiotics in human and veterinary medicine. Since AMR surveillance requires a One Health approach, we sampled nine interconnected compartments at a hydrological open-air lab (HOAL) in Austria to obtain six bacterial species included in the WHO priority list of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB). Whole genome sequencing-based typing included core genome multilocus sequence typing (cgMLST). Genetic and phenotypic characterization of AMR was performed for all isolates. Eighty-nine clinically-relevant bacteria were obtained from eight compartments including 49 E. coli, 27 E. faecalis, 7 K. pneumoniae and 6 E. faecium. Clusters of isolates from the same species obtained in different sample collection dates were detected. Of the isolates, 29.2% were resistant to at least one antimicrobial. E. coli and E. faecalis isolates from different compartments had acquired antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) associated with veterinary drugs such as aminoglycosides and tetracyclines, some of which were carried in conjugative and mobilizable plasmids. Three multidrug resistant (MDR) E. coli isolates were found in samples from field drainage and wastewater. Early detection of ARGs and ARB in natural and farm-related environments can identify hotspots of AMR and help prevent its emergence and dissemination along the food/feed chain.

Objective The objective of this study was the assessment of risks from inhalation exposure of Austrian smokers to cadmium through established toxicological approaches with emphasis on the exposure assessment component, which is challenging regarding the actual amount of metal that is inhaled and the simulation of the smoking pattern. Materials and methods Exposure assessment comprised an estimation of the proportion of cadmium inhaled through smoking and actual occurrence data in tobacco products and survey smoking habits, which were integrated in alternative scenarios through a deterministic and a probabilistic Monte Carlo simulation method. Risks were characterized through the comparison of the exposure with health-based guidance values, as well as through the assessment of the excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR), the non-cancer hazard quotient (NCHQ), and the margin of exposure (MOE). The strengths, the uncertainties, and the limitations of the different methodologies were discussed. Results and discussion Upper exposures are close or exceed the Permitted Daily Exposure. Respiratory ELCRs are unacceptable compared to the benchmark range of 1.0E-06 to 1.0E-04. Renal and respiratory NCHQs exceed the target value of 1.0 by 3- to 17-fold. MOEs are not protective enough for cancer and non-cancer effects. The amount of cadmium that reaches the lung is a key source of uncertainty. Conclusion Probabilistic estimates provide a refined capture of the actual inhalation exposure. Risk estimates and gender and age profiles are alarming, especially for young smokers. Application of toxicological approaches, combined with realistic assessment of the inhalation exposure levels, can support risk communication and management.

Background The increase in bacteria that are resistant to antimicrobials-often selected for a high level of antimicrobial uses (AMUs) in human beings or food-producing animals-is a global concern. The Austrian Poultry Health Service (QGV) has established a database containing comprehensive information on poultry flocks in Austria. Methods AMU in 32,411 broiler flocks and 2946 turkey flocks between 2013 and 2019 is analysed by calculating different metrics, including the treatment incidence TI1000. Furthermore, the Austrian benchmarking system for poultry is introduced. Results Annual AMU in broilers decreased from 1030.8 kg of active ingredient to 762.5 kg between 2013 and 2016 but rose again to 1165.0 kg in 2019; while for turkeys annual AMU dropped from 1196.4 kg to 569.0 kg between 2013 and 2019. At the same time, the proportion of treated flocks decreased from 34.2% to 24.8% for broilers and from 54.3% to 44.0% for turkeys. In both broilers and turkeys, the most frequently used antimicrobial class, according to the TI1000 unit, in broilers and turkeys is polymyxins. Conclusion Calculating different metrics enables a deeper insight into AMU. Total AMU reduced without legislation but the increase of AMU in broiler production needs further investigation.

EFSA Supporting PublicationsVolume 17, Issue 9 1901E Technical reportOpen Access Report of the Advisory Forum Task Force on Data Collection and Data Modelling European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), Corresponding Author European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) data.collection@efsa.europa.eu Correspondence: data.collection@efsa.europa.euSearch for more papers by this authorJesus Alvarez-Pinera, Jesus Alvarez-Pinera Task Force Member who contributed while the UK was still a Member State of the EU.Search for more papers by this authorFlemming Bager, Flemming BagerSearch for more papers by this authorMilo Bystrický, Milo BystrickýSearch for more papers by this authorSusanne Ditmann Rasmussen, Susanne Ditmann RasmussenSearch for more papers by this authorDavid Foster, David FosterSearch for more papers by this authorKlemens Fuchs, Klemens FuchsSearch for more papers by this authorMary Gilsenan, Mary GilsenanSearch for more papers by this authorDanica Grahek-Ogden, Danica Grahek-OgdenSearch for more papers by this authorÁkos Jozwiak, Ákos JozwiakSearch for more papers by this authorSanaa Moez, Sanaa MoezSearch for more papers by this authorMonica Neagu, Monica NeaguSearch for more papers by this authorEileen O'Dea, Eileen O'DeaSearch for more papers by this authorAlessandra Perrella, Alessandra PerrellaSearch for more papers by this authorJane Richardson, Jane RichardsonSearch for more papers by this authorEva Scharfenberg, Eva ScharfenbergSearch for more papers by this authorDarja Sokolic, Darja SokolicSearch for more papers by this authorMartina Stack, Martina StackSearch for more papers by this authorKatie Vermeersch, Katie VermeerschSearch for more papers by this authorKoen Wienk, Koen WienkSearch for more papers by this author European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), Corresponding Author European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) data.collection@efsa.europa.eu Correspondence: data.collection@efsa.europa.euSearch for more papers by this authorJesus Alvarez-Pinera, Jesus Alvarez-Pinera Task Force Member who contributed while the UK was still a Member State of the EU.Search for more papers by this authorFlemming Bager, Flemming BagerSearch for more papers by this authorMilo Bystrický, Milo BystrickýSearch for more papers by this authorSusanne Ditmann Rasmussen, Susanne Ditmann RasmussenSearch for more papers by this authorDavid Foster, David FosterSearch for more papers by this authorKlemens Fuchs, Klemens FuchsSearch for more papers by this authorMary Gilsenan, Mary GilsenanSearch for more papers by this authorDanica Grahek-Ogden, Danica Grahek-OgdenSearch for more papers by this authorÁkos Jozwiak, Ákos JozwiakSearch for more papers by this authorSanaa Moez, Sanaa MoezSearch for more papers by this authorMonica Neagu, Monica NeaguSearch for more papers by this authorEileen O'Dea, Eileen O'DeaSearch for more papers by this authorAlessandra Perrella, Alessandra PerrellaSearch for more papers by this authorJane Richardson, Jane RichardsonSearch for more papers by this authorEva Scharfenberg, Eva ScharfenbergSearch for more papers by this authorDarja Sokolic, Darja SokolicSearch for more papers by this authorMartina Stack, Martina StackSearch for more papers by this authorKatie Vermeersch, Katie VermeerschSearch for more papers by this authorKoen Wienk, Koen WienkSearch for more papers by this author First published: 17 September 2020 https://doi.org/10.2903/sp.efsa.2020.EN-1901 Requestor:EFSA Advisory Forum Question number:EFSA-Q-2020-00494 AboutPDF ToolsExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat Abstract This report of the European Food Safety Authority Advisory Forum Task Force on Data Collection and Data Modelling presents the outcomes of the discussions of the Task Force related to data collection and reporting processes, data models, IT infrastructure and data analysis. The objective of the Task Force was to deliver strategic recommendations to EFSA, to the European Commission and to Member States on food chain safety data, theirmanagement and use.The report includes summaries of initiatives and recommendations flowing from other discussion groups which are of relevance to the topic and context, e.g. the European Interoperability Framework. The report also contains the resultingvision of a future ideal food safety system, conclusions and recommendations foridentified quick wins, short-to medium-term and long-term actions. Volume17, Issue9September 20201901E RelatedInformation

Nitrites are present in the food chain as naturally occurring species or contaminants. Additionally, sodium and potassium nitrites are authorised food additives. Nitrites exert acute toxicity through methemoglobinemia or cardiovascular effects, chronic toxicity associated with endocrine, reproductive and developmental effects and have been classified as probable gastric carcinogens. Ingestion of food and water are the main sources of human exposure. This study comprises a tiered risk assessment of nitrites for the Austrian adult population, along with the identification of the food categories most contributing to their intake. The dietary exposure, based on Austrian occurrence and consumption data, was modelled with the Monte Carlo simulation method. In an additional scenario, data gaps were addressed with the usage of occurrence data published by the European Food Safety Authority and from the available literature to account for the exposure from all sources. Risk estimates regarding only the exposure to nitrite additives and to contaminated water indicate low level of concern. However, when exposure from all sources is considered, the estimated exposure is elevated and exceeds the Acceptable Daily Intake for high consumers. Mean exposure attributed to the use of nitrites as additives accounts for only a very small proportion of the total intake.

Nitrates occur in food naturally, as contaminants or additives. The health implications attributed to ingested nitrates result primarily from their conversion into nitrites and subsequent methemoglobinemia, carcinogenicity induced by N-nitroso-compounds and cardiovascular, endocrine, metabolic, reproductive and developmental effects. The present study comprises a probabilistic tiered risk assessment of nitrates for Austrian adults through the diet with the application of the Monte Carlo simulation method in alternative optimistic and pessimistic scenarios. Risk estimates are of concern regarding the upper exposures, which exceed the Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) in almost all scenarios and population groups. Exposure is elevated when all dietary sources are considered and the ADI is exceeded by already the mean intake for vegetarians. Leafy vegetables are major contributors to the intake. Contribution of cured meat is very low. Estimates of the conversion of nitrates into nitrites were used to assess the combined exposure to both species. When the average intake of nitrates and nitrites is considered, the mean exposure to nitrites is lower or close to the ADI for individuals with average conversion capacity. However, upper tail combined intake can lead to a multifold exceedance of the ADI of nitrites for individuals with both high and average conversion capacity.

The acknowledgment of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as a major health challenge in humans, animals and plants, has led to increased efforts to reduce antimicrobial use (AMU). To better understand factors influencing AMR and implement and evaluate stewardship measures for reducing AMU, it is important to have sufficiently detailed information on the quantity of AMU, preferably at the level of the user (farmer, veterinarian) and/or prescriber or provider (veterinarian, feed mill). Recently, several countries have established or are developing systems for monitoring AMU in animals. The aim of this publication is to provide an overview of known systems for monitoring AMU at farm-level, with a descriptive analysis of their key components and processes. As of March 2020, 38 active farm-level AMU monitoring systems from 16 countries were identified. These systems differ in many ways, including which data are collected, the type of analyses conducted and their respective output. At the same time, they share key components (data collection, analysis, benchmarking, and reporting), resulting in similar challenges to be faced with similar decisions to be made. Suggestions are provided with respect to the different components and important aspects of various data types and methods are discussed. This overview should provide support for establishing or working with such a system and could lead to a better implementation of stewardship actions and a more uniform communication about and understanding of AMU data at farm-level. Harmonization of methods and processes could lead to an improved comparability of outcomes and less confusion when interpreting results across systems. However, it is important to note that the development of systems also depends on specific local needs, resources and aims.

AbstractIntroduction:Children are exposed to marketing of foods with a high content of energy, fat, sugar and salt on a daily basis, which can have negative consequences via increasing children's preferences for those foods. An unhealthy diet can promote obesity and other noncommunicable diseases. The objective of this scientific work was to assess the applicability of the nutrient profile model (NPM) for food products available in the Austrian market. The model was developed by the WHO Regional Office for Europe to reduce the impact of marketing to children.Material and Methods:The NPM was applied to food product information, which was recorded for the project “Food in the Spotlight” (www.lebensmittellupe.at). Food products were assigned to food categories made by the WHO and the NPM was applied to identify products, which should not be allowed to be marketed to children. As the WHO NPM is flexible and can be adapted to the national context possible adaptations of the model to the Austrian market were developed.Results:Among those product groups which were included in Food in the Spotlight 0% of cocoa (n = 89), milk drinks with additional ingredients (e.g. strawberry milk, n = 111), soup pearl croutons (n = 13), ketchups (n = 79) and pestos (n = 119), 0.4% of soft drinks (Cola, lemonade etc., n = 454), 8% of pizza and pizza-like products (n = 274), 13% of yoghurt products with additional ingredients (n = 611), 18% of sugos (n = 193), 28% of fruit and vegetable purees (n = 36) and 33% of breakfast cereals (n = 678) were found to be eligible for marketing to children. Those 0.4% of soft drinks which would be allowed are two waters flavoured with aroma. Pure products such as whole milk and yoghurts with 3.5% fat would not be allowed because they exceed the thresholds for total fat. For those products with a packaging appealing to children and adolescents almost none passed the NPM.Conclusion:Our results showed, that before the NPM can be implemented in Austria, it is important to adapt the model to national dietary guidelines. Additionally, food categories could be modified to be more suitable for the Austrian market, as some products which are common in Austria could not be easily assigned to the WHO food categories. To adapt the WHO NPM to the national context cooperation between health experts and food manufacturers is necessary.