Economic evidence for the control of meatborne parasites in Europe: A scoping review

Meatborne parasites pose significant public health concerns and lead to substantial economic losses. Decisions regarding the introduction of risk-based control strategies to manage these parasites depend on the availability of robust and comparable economic data. To understand the current economic evidence available on meatborne parasite control, a scoping study was conducted to provide recommendations on optimal investment. This study is a part of the COST Action CA18105 (Risk-based Meat Inspection and Integrated Meat Safety Assurance [RIBMINS]), which supports the development and implementation of risk-based meat inspection programs across the EU and partner countries. This study synthesized available evidence published between January 1, 1980, and April 1, 2022, on interventions for controlling four meatborne parasites (Taenia saginata, Taenia solium, T. gondii, and Trichinella spiralis) where economic analyses had been conducted in COST Action CA18105-affiliated countries. We considered interventions conducted at any node within meat value chains, including those undertaken by health systems targeting consumers. Twelve relevant articles related to eleven distinct studies were identified. The outcomes of economic analyses were recorded, and a critical appraisal of these studies was carried out. The economic data identified have been summarized narratively, and this scoping review has revealed a scarcity of economic data on which to base decisions regarding meatborne parasite control and a lack of standardization in the approaches used for economic analysis. We recommend consensus building among researchers working in the food safety assurance space to standardize the methods and reporting of economic analysis of interventions, similar to efforts that have been made in the health economics space.