Comparison of new genetic techniques and their usages to investigate foodborne illness outbreaks

Since the rapid development of genetics in epidemiology, Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) has become an increasingly common method of tracking foodborne illness outbreaks. However, the technology continues to develop, and new genetic techniques emerge that may be faster and more cost-effective. This article explains the regulatory context for use of genetic testing methods, and compares the science and efficiencies behind three prominent technologies.