Consumer protection
 It is the role of national, regional or even local governments to apply appropriate
health and consumer protection laws. It is their job to make sure retailers,
traders, importers, manufacturers and food producers in their country observe
the rules.
AGNS' job is to help countries e stablish and improve regulatory frameworks
for food control and quality assurance compatible with international requirements,
in particular those of the Codex Alimentarius, and to supply the technical
advice and expertise for the development of integrated food control systems.
Although the final link in the food chain, consumers themselves are also important.
Advice to consumers on the storage, handling and preparation of foods in the
home is an essential element of the food chain approach. Improper handling
and preparation by consumers can negate food safety measures introduced by
other sectors at earlier stages of the food chain.
Consumers thus need to be provided with adequate and accurate information
on food hygiene to use food properly and, through correct storage and preparation,
be able to prevent the contamination and growth/survival of food-borne pathogens.
In addition to maintaining the safety of food through home preparation, consumers
also facilitate increased emphasis on food safety throughout the food chain
by exerting consumer pressure for the supply of safe, quality food.
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