The learning effect of a foodborne emergency exercise

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to describe a national foodborne emergency functional exercise conducted in 2013 by the Norwegian Food Safety Authority (NFSA), and focusses on how elements of the exercise: organization, scenario and evaluation contributed to learning effect to the organization. Design/methodology/approach - In total, 364 NFSA employees representing all offices and organization levels and representatives from cooperating governmental and business organizations participated. Scenario encompassed a salmonellosis outbreak traced to nationally distributed cured salmon seasoned with non-irradiated imported dill contaminated with Salmonella. Crisis communication was included. Exercise evaluation included questionnaires to participants, monitors reports and interviews with NFSA key personnel. Results were evaluated qualitatively and quantitatively. Findings - Participants and monitors judged the scenario as realistic and relevant and considered the exercise to have provided good learning to the NFSA. Some insufficiencies of log system, certain lacks of compliance with emergency procedures and some inconsistencies in crisis communication were reported. Following a broad evaluation process, the NFSA has carried out comprehensive revisions of contingency plans and procedures, conveyed the exercise learnings into an ongoing planning for reorganization, and has identified goals and methods for contingency training. Practical implications - Scenario, organization, methods for evaluation and assessments of learning effect may be applicable for similar organizations. Originality/value - This was the largest foodborne outbreak exercise ever conducted in Norway and among the few ones ever reported in scientific journals.