An increasing number of interdisciplinary activities related to ethics are being undertaken by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). FAO Readings in Ethics is a new series, which brings together the results of such activities, carried out as an integral part of the Organization's regular programme of work. The series complements the FAO Ethics Series and the Reports of the Panel of Eminent Experts on Ethics in Food and Agriculture. Freedom from hunger has been designated as a fundamental human right. Food safety is an intrinsic part of the concept of the right to adequate food. In situations of food crises is it ethically acceptable that food safety standards be lower for food aid than for food trade? The Report of the FAO Expert Consultation on Food Safety: Science and Ethics, which was held from 3 to 5 September 2002, discusses the question in depth.
