Contact
Anna Kristín Daníelsdóttir
Deputy CEO / Director of Research & Innovation
annak@matis.is
When food hazards and / or food fraud occur, Matís can use genetic analysis to identify the source of infections or foods.
It is important to ensure that the latest knowledge, skills and technology are available in Iceland, that there is an active response service and that the response of legal entities is rapid and correct. It is also important that in the shortest possible time it is possible to identify the types of infections and their origin in order to prevent further infection and thus minimize the damage.
Matís receives samples to trace the origin when it has been confirmed that there is a food infection or food poisoning in patients. The samples are from patients, food and the environment and Matís uses, among other things, genetic analysis to verify the origin of infections and toxins.
Genetic analysis is also one of the tools used in the fight against food fraud and can be identified by both species and origin.
The process when a group infection occurs is based on the collaboration of many national inspectors and laboratories: the Chief Epidemiologist, the Food Administration, the Municipal Health Inspectorate, Landspítalinn and Matís.
International cooperation is important, both to build leading-edge technology and science and to ensure the right response to the epidemic.
See further interviews with Matís experts, Hrönn Ólína Jörundsdóttir and Anna Kristín Daníelsdóttir, in RÚV Ten News (news starts at 6:40 min) and RÚV Rás morning radio.