Microbiological investigations carried out at RIKILT are to be transferred to the RIVM Laboratory for Zoonoses and Environmental Microbiology in the Centre for Infectious Disease Control. These tasks include:
• Statuary research tasks such as monitoring the quality and safety of shellfish, and tasks in the framework of harmonisation and standardisation of microbiological analytical methods;
• Studies to support food safety policy on verocytotoxin-producing Escherichia coli, and on Campylobacteriosis;
• Fundamental research on resistance to antibiotics and the behaviour of microorganisms in the food production chain.

The Laboratory for Zoonoses and Environmental Microbiology will also take over the role of expert Laboratory for the validation of alternative microbiological methods for MicroVAL. This transfer of expertise strengthens the laboratory’s position as knowledge and research partner at the interface of human and veterinary microbiology.