The human food chain is continuously threatened by the increasing number of outbreaks of aquatic and transboundary animal diseases, plant pests and diseases, and food safety emergencies.

Avian influenza, H1N1, cassava diseases, locust infestations, Salmonellosis and dioxin are some examples of food chain crisis threats to the human food chain that may impact human health, food security, national economies and global markets.

Through the Food Chain Crisis Management Framework (FCC), FAO assists its membership in their effort to address the risks to the human food chain. This covers in particular the assessment, management and communication dimensions of the risks involved through a comprehensive, systematic, interdisciplinary, institution-wide collaborative approach.