Food Microbiology
Mission
Food Microbiology aims to disseminate scientific research and to propagate knowledge in the domain of food microbiology. Attention is given amongst others to ecophysiology in relation with food-quality and -safety, prevention of contamination and growth of micro-organisms within the food chain by HACCP and microbiological risk analysis. Both positive aspects of microbes (fermentation) as negative aspects (spoilage and pathogens) are included. The division is open to cooperation with other disciplines, like ecology and mycology.
The division organises one to two symposia per year.
The division Food Microbiology of the KNVM is pleased to announce the following symposium:
RISK ON THE MENU
Thursday December 10th 2026, Omnia, Campus Wageningen
Food safety is about more than hazards and numbers. It is also about perception, communication, and decision-making. The symposium RISK ON THE MENU explores how risks are identified, assessed, managed, and communicated in today's food system. Experts from academia, government, and practice will discuss recent developments and share perspectives on the future of food safety risk analysis.
Venue of meeting:
Omnia, Hoge Steeg 2, 6708 PH Wageningen
On campus: follow ‘P-route’ to car park P1. Omnia is building number 105.
Registration and payment
Fee is € 75,- for KNVM members, € 85,- for non-members and € 20,- for students.
Registration is possible via the website and until Friday December 4th 2026.
Program
9.30 - 10.00 Registration, coffee & tea
10.00 - 10.05 Welcome
10.05 - 10.35 WHO estimates of the global burden of foodborne disease revisited
Em. Prof. Dr. Arie Havelaar (University of Florida)
10.35 - 11.05 Integrating epidemiological context to manage risks
Dr. Eelco Franz (RIVM)
11.05 - 11.30 Coffee, tea
11.30 - 12.00 Risk management supported by risk assessment: one size fits all…?
Drs. Ana Viloria (Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport)
12.00 - 12.30 Beyond the numbers: How people understand health risks
Prof. Dr. Danielle Timmermans (Amsterdam UMC)
12.30 - 13.30 Lunch
13.30 - 14.00 Risk framing in risk analysis
Prof. Dr. Liesbeth Jacxsens (Gent University)
14.00 - 14.30 Navigating misinformation in food safety communication
Anne Lutgerink & Tara Eikenaar (Voedingscentrum)
14.30 Drinks
15.30 PhD Ceremony Wieke van der Vossen “Risk on the menu”
Board Members
Dr. Heidy den Besten (chair)
Ir. Ellen Brinkman (secretary)
Dr. Jan-Willem Sanders (finance)
Coen van der Weijden (member)