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Third Joint FAO/WHO/UNEP
International Conference on Mycotoxins
Tunis, Tunisia - 3 to 6 March 1999
Background
Mycotoxin contamination of foods, feeds and agricultural crops continues to seriously affect the availability and safety of the food supply worldwide. Previous conferences in 1977 and 1987, organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) addressed issues of mycotoxin contamination, prevention, and control. A series of recommendations aimed at minimizing the economic and health effects of mycotoxins as well as enhancing preventative measures were proposed. Numerous national and international programmes designed to minimize the risks posed by mycotoxins have been instituted.
The need to hold a third Conference on Mycotoxins jointly supported by FAO, WHO and UNEP has been highlighted by a number of factors, such as new emerging mycotoxins, progress made in sampling, testing and monitoring programmes as well as in decontamination procedures, the issuing of mycotoxin regulations by a number of countries, and greater concern about the health effects of specific mycotoxins.
Objectives of the Conference
- to increase the awareness of policy makers about the health risks and potential economic impact of mycotoxin contamination of food products and animal feeds, including its impact on international trade of these commodities;
- to provide a forum for the exchange of current scientific and technical information related to mycotoxins;
- to promote the harmonization of mycotoxin regulations and control procedures; and
- to make recommendations on strategies and programmes for enhancing the assessment, prevention and control of mycotoxin contamination, thus ensuring the safety and wholesomeness of food supply.
Working documents
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