Regulation No. 426 on the collection and transmission of molecular analytical data in connection with outbreaks linked to food.

This Regulation implements Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/179 requiring authorities to collect, analyse, and share molecular (genomic) data during investigations of foodborne disease outbreaks. It mandates that competent authorities gather pathogen samples (such as Salmonella, Listeria, E. coli, and Campylobacter) from food, animals, feed, and related environments, perform whole genome sequencing (WGS), and transmit both the results and relevant metadata to EU-level systems to support coordinated epidemiological analysis. The aim is to improve rapid identification of outbreak sources through cross-sector collaboration (public health and food safety), using a “One Health” approach. The regulation also establishes oversight by the Norwegian Food Safety Authority, allows for enforcement measures and sanctions, and provides limited scope for exemptions.