Science and Technology Based Countermeasures to Foodborne Terrorism: Introduction

摘要

Since the beginning of civilization, nations have endeavored to assure their citizenry of an abundant, nutritious, and wholesome food supply. Historically, governmental food protection efforts have been directed against spoilage, accidental contamination, improper processing or handling, economic fraud, and the addition of unsafe agents. Food was assumed to be an unlikely terror target and remained largely unprotected from intentional contamination. However, current terrorist tactics have shifted our attention to protection of food from that risk. As a consequence, defense of the food supply—from intentional tampering, counterfeiting, or major attack—has now become a worldwide concern for the 21st century. Global efforts to protect food products require a multilateral and multifaceted approach. Concerned governments, companies, and academic institutions are increasing efforts to evaluate, develop, and implement counterterrorism measures spanning the entire food chain. To realize this essential goal, research is needed to develop and deploy technologies that minimize the likelihood and reduce the scope of an attack against the food supply and permit rapid recovery from such an attack.