The aim of this study is to introduce a method for hazard identifi-
cation that links WGS data with results on in vitro adherence to
epithelial cells as a proxy for virulence using a subset of STEC O157
isolates as a case study. An explanation of the concepts, identifi-
cation of the value of the methodology and a relationship with the
public health domain are supported by a thorough discussion of
further research needs. This paper identifies a necessary paradigm
change in public health microbiological risk assessments.