February 26, 2025 our HOME page is dedicated to our friend and colleague Prof. Kostas Koutsoumanis.

It is with profound sadness that we mourn the sudden passing of Professor Kostas Koutsoumanis, an exceptional scientist, a dedicated mentor, and a dear friend. His loss has left the entire food microbiology community in shock and sorrow.

As a leading figure in food microbiology, Kostas shaped the field through his outstanding research, his role as Chair of the EFSA Biohazard Panel, and his editorial work, including his significant contributions to the International Journal of Food Microbiology. He was for many years active in our ICFMH FoodMicro conferences, fostering scientific collaboration and shaping discussions that will resonate for years to come.

Beyond his scientific brilliance, Kostas was a friend, a conversation partner, and an inspiration to many of us. We shared not only professional challenges but also deep talks about the philosophy of science, the role of chance and fate, and the art of making balanced decisions in both research and life. Our conversations often drifted to our families, the burdens we carried, and the plans we held for our children. These moments—filled with wisdom, humor, and heartfelt connection—are treasures I will hold onto forever. The last times we shared such reflections were in Split and Thessaloniki, and I will cherish them for the rest of my days.

His kindness, intellect, and friendship will be deeply missed, but his legacy will continue to guide and inspire us. My deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all who had the privilege to know him.

Prof. Andreja Rajkovic

The International Committee on Food Microbiology and Hygiene of the IUMS

The International Committee on Food Microbiology and Hygiene was founded at the World Congress on Microbiology of the IAMS (International Association of Microbiology – later the International Union of Microbiological Societies or IUMS) in Rome, in 1953.

The first Committee was elected with the following members: Profs. Maurice Ingram and René Buttiaux (Presidents), Dr. Betty Hobbs (Councellor-at-large), Prof. David Mossel (Executive Secretary).

The original “Mission Statement” was “…to draw together small groups of leading experts in particular fields of Food Microbiology, to arrive at a consensus document on subjects of primary interest to the discipline” This mission statement was accepted at the plenary session of the IAMS congress in Rome.

The ICFMH officially represents IUMS in all issues related to foods and beverages, and has observer and/or advisory status in activities of FAO and WHO (e.g. Codex Alimentarius), ISO working groups related to the detection and enumeration of microorganisms in foods and beverages.

As a result of new challenges, and changes within the international family of microbiological societies, the ICFMH gradually grew into an organisation with international activities in the field of Food Microbiology. In particular, the former smaller symposia and expert meetings have developed into what is presently known as the biennial (formerly triennial) “FOODMICRO” Conference, with attendance of around 600 participants around the world.

The major scope of ICFMH is to contribute to food safety and controlling food spoilage internationally, by means of organising conferences (e.g. FOODMICRO), symposia and workshops, supporting of international bodies in food microbiology issues, publications (e.g. the International Journal of Food Microbiology), and initiation of education and training in food microbiology. The ICFMH particularly focuses on the food safety situation in developing countries, with a special mission towards the African situation.

Download the ICFMH leaflet