The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is the main United Nations agency specializing in all aspects of food quality and safety, and in all the the different stages of food production, harvest, post-harvest handling, storage, transport, processing and distribution.

FAO adheres to the food chain approach in managing food safety and quality as a recognition of the responsibility of all actors in the food chain for the supply of food that is safe, healthy and nutritious.

FAO's Food Quality and Standards Service (AGNS) is committed to the enhancement of food safety and quality along the food chain at all levels, with the aim of preventing food-borne diseases, protecting consumers and promoting fair practices in the food trade.

FAO - Strategy for a food chain approach to food safety and quality (2003)