Unequivocal taxonomic identification at the species level is a key requirement and basis of microbial safety assessment. It is also essential for granting the QPS (qualified presumption of safety) status for a microorganism. For this purpose, whole genome sequence (WGS) analysis is a superior tool and is required from all bacteria and yeast strains intentionally added in the food chain in the EU. It is also highly recommended for fungi.

Biosafe follows all sectoral guidance documents, such as those for feed additives or food enzymes, but also general guidance documents including bioinformatics instructions, such as the latest EFSA statement on the requirements for whole genome sequence analysis of microorganisms intentionally used in the food chain. Our pipelines ensure that we use up-to-date databases and our experts are familiar with the most common species used in the food chain. For less well-known species we can tailor-make our analysis to find the closest taxa. Depending on the case, we can use gene-based identification, genome similarity scores or more complex phylogenetic studies.

We also follow and apply changes in taxonomy as soon as they become available to make sure that identification is according to most recent taxonomic information available.



Sometimes the taxonomic analysis leads to the description of a new species. Although the publication of a new species may not be mandatory for regulatory purposes, it is sometimes desired by our customers. Biosafe can support taxonomic publication with our laboratory studies, bioinformatic analysis of the genome data and scientific writing. See an example here

 

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