This Regulation designates three European Union reference laboratories (EURLs) in the field of public health, focusing on different types of pathogens that can cause diseases through food and water. The laboratories are established as consortiums of leading research institutions from different EU countries and will operate until December 2031.The Regulation establishes three distinct reference laboratories:
- EURL for food- and water-borne bacteria (led by Denmark’s Statens Serum Institut)
- EURL for food-, water- and vector-borne helminths and protozoa (led by Italy’s Istituto Superiore di Sanità)
- EURL for food- and water-borne viruses (led by Norway’s Institute of Public Health)
Each laboratory has specific responsibilities and tasks detailed in corresponding annexes, including:
- Providing reference testing and diagnostic services
- Supplying reference materials and quality assessments
- Offering scientific advice and technical assistance
- Organizing training and coordination activities
- Supporting outbreak investigations
- Collaborating with other international health organizations
The laboratories must maintain qualified staff, ensure proper training, and establish confidentiality policies for handling sensitive information. They work closely with the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and support national reference laboratories in member states to promote uniform surveillance and reporting of diseases.
