Safety and public health concerns associated with animal-origin food

Abstract

Animal-derived foods (meat, milk, eggs, and fish) play a key role in human diets worldwide, providing high-quality protein and essential micronutrients.At the same time, their production and consumption are increasingly linked with safety concerns that affect both public health and consumer confidence.Biological hazards such as Salmonella spp., Campylobacter spp., and Listeria spp.continue to drive a major share of foodborne disease globally, while chemical contaminants, veterinary drug residues, and environmental pollutants add long-term risks.Natural toxins and sporadic physical hazards further complicate the landscape.Antimicrobial resistance has now emerged as a critical cross-cutting challenge, reinforcing the interdependence of human, animal, and environmental health.This review brings together evidence on the spectrum of hazards in animal-origin foods and examines advances in detection technologies, predictive modelling, and early warning systems.By framing food safety within a One Health perspective, it argues for coordinated action across disciplines and sectors to ensure that animal-source foods remain both nutritious and safe for future generations.

Part of CIRS Nexus · Curated by Lauren Lowenstein, The Biotoxin Lady