The FDA Foods Whole Genome Sequencing Staff is coordinating efforts by public health officials to sequence pathogens collected from foodborne outbreaks, contaminated food products and environmental sources. The genome sequences are archived in an open-access genomic reference database called GenomeTrakr, that can be used: to find the contamination sources of current and future outbreaks; to better understand the environmental conditions associated with the contamination of agricultural products; and to help develop new rapid methods and culture independent tests.

Notational analysis is an observational method in which a food employee’s actions can be recorded quickly and in the sequence that they occur. The notational analysis technique was initially employed to record the behavior of food employees by Clayton and Griffith (2004), who adapted the technique from the field of sports science.