Mission and Approach

The Mission of ICMSF is to be a leading source for independent and impartial scientific concepts that, when adopted by governmental agencies and industry, may help facilitate fair trade and reduce the incidences of microbiological food-borne illness and food spoilage.

The Approach of the Commission is to provide basic scientific information through extensive study and makes recommendations without prejudice based on that information. Results of the studies are published as books, discussion documents or refereed papers.

The ICMSF functions as a small “working group” of elected members and invited consultants, not a forum for the reading of papers or political debate. We are an action-oriented group with a history of evaluating issues and making timely contributions on newly emerging food safety concerns. The Commission has performed in-depth studies on all essential aspects relating to microbiological specifications for foods such as: methods of analysis, sampling plans, and microbiological limits.

In recent years, the Commission has worked to improve the microbiological safety of food through its books and other scientific publications, by participating in symposia and workshops, recommending sampling plans and microbiological criteria, and defining and promoting the use of Good Hygiene Practices (GHP) and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) systems and other systems of managing food safety.

To address important regional issues, the ICMSF may establish regional Subcommissions. These Subcommissions follow the operating principles of the ICMSF while addressing microbiological problems particular to their regions.

In this section

Meetings

The Commission meets annually and since 1962, well over 50 meetings have been held in numerous countries around the world, including Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Egypt, England, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Malaysia, Mexico, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, The Netherlands, United Arab Emirates, Uruguay, USA, the former USSR, Venezuela, and the former Yugoslavia. Associated to annual meetings, ICMSF members make an effort to set-up workshops or participate in symposia engaging with food safety professionals and relevant public health officials of the host country.

Fund raising

The ICMSF raises its own funds to support its work. Most costs are associated to our annual in-person meetings and representation at key meetings of stakeholders. Support has already been obtained from government agencies, intergovernmental bodies (e.g. FAO, WHO), international scientific associations (e.g. International Union of Microbiological Societies; International Union of Biological Societies; International Life Sciences Institute; International Association of Food Protection), food industry (e.g. over 100 food companies and agencies in 20 countries), and the employers of our Members. Grants for specific projects and seminars / conferences have been provided by a variety of sources. Some funds are received from the sale of ICMSF books.

Support of the ICMSF work is much welcome. When interested to explore support opportunities, please contact the ICMSF secretary. ICMSF is happy to recognise the support received appropriately.

Membership

ICMSF membership consists of food microbiologists from various countries. Members’ professional experience includes research, process development, public health, agriculture, food technology, quality control, and education. We also seek assistance from an extensive network of consultants considered to be experts in various areas of food microbiology. Members, as well as consultants, are selected based on their technical expertise, not as national delegates. All work is voluntary and without honoraria.