Wastewater can serve as an indicator of public health in the Netherlands. Many diseases that occur within a group of people can be detected in sewage. This includes infectious diseases such as COVID-19 (caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2) and non-infectious diseases. By examining sewage samples, we can also identify substances that tell us more about our lifestyle or living environment. Sewage research is useful and important, especially in conjunction with other forms of public health research. Read more: wastewater research: how and why?

The level of food safety in the Netherlands is extremely high, and has been for many years. It is nevertheless important to remain alert to potential threats. Food can contain micro-organisms which may cause illness. Micro-organisms may enter the food chain for instance during production or during home preparation.

Antibiotics are medications used to treat infections caused by bacteria. Bacteria can become insensitive (resistant) to antibiotics. If this occurs, the antibiotics cannot kill or inhibit the bacteria. The antibiotics then no longer work. This is called antimicrobial resistance or antibiotic resistance.