UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has underscored the crucial intersection between trade and food safety, emphasizing the need for concerted efforts to ensure safe food for consumers worldwide. The document, authored by Markus Lipp, Vittorio Fattori, and Cosimo Avesani, suggests four key strategies to improve food safety and facilitate international trade.

Key Strategies Highlighted in the Policy Brief:

1. Investment in National Food Control Systems: The brief emphasizes the importance of a robust and effective national food control system. While the responsibility for producing safe products lies with the food industry, governments are urged to play a pivotal role in ensuring the functionality of national food control systems.
2. Scientific Advice and Evidence: Acknowledging the rapid pace of scientific innovation, evolving food technologies, and changing trade dynamics, the authors stress the need for sound scientific advice. This includes staying abreast of emerging issues, providing a solid foundation for regulatory frameworks, and promoting the harmonization of standards to reduce compliance costs.
3. Intergovernmental and Multi-Stakeholder Engagement: The brief calls for collaborative efforts at both national and international levels to enhance food safety and trade. This involves fostering engagement between governments and stakeholders to create a unified approach to food safety regulations.
4. Public and Private Stakeholder Collaboration: Recognizing the role of both public and private sectors, the authors advocate for increased collaboration between stakeholders. This collaborative approach addresses challenges, shares knowledge, and implements effective food safety measures.

German Funding to Strengthen Sanitary and Phytosanitary Projects:

Meanwhile, the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) has pledged €1.95 million ($2.12 million) to the Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF). This funding aims to empower small-scale farmers and producers to access global markets through projects focused on sanitary and phytosanitary measures. The initiatives will contribute to safe trade, reduce the risk of pests and diseases, and mitigate the impact of climate change on food security.

WTO Director-General, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, highlights the importance of aligning with international food safety standards, promoting economic growth, sustainability, and job creation. Developing and least developed countries are encouraged to apply for project grants from the STDF, with the next deadline for proposals on March 1.

Addressing Climate Change Challenges:

The policy brief also addresses the intersection of food safety and climate change. Rising sea levels, ocean acidification, and variations in temperature, humidity, and rainfall pose challenges to food safety by affecting the occurrence of foodborne bacteria, viruses, and parasites. The STDF’s briefing note emphasizes the need for efficient food safety systems, increased monitoring and surveillance capacity, and prioritized discussions on climate change to secure much-needed funding.

As the world prepares for the WTO’s 13th Ministerial Conference in Abu Dhabi from Feb. 26 to 29, the focus on these strategies and funding initiatives underscores the global commitment to enhancing food safety and promoting secure trade practices.

Source:https://standardsfacility.org/sites/default/files/STDF_Briefing_note_Climate_Change_EN.pdf