Globalization and increased regional trade among countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States has meant a shift – from foods produced and consumed locally to greater food diversity and more foods traded internationally. As a result, countries are eager to increase their knowledge of international food safety standards and procedures.

To help meet this need, FAO and the World Health Organization (WHO) in collaboration with the Russian Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Well-being (Rospotrebnadzor) are holding a regional workshop in St. Petersburg this week. The aim is to strengthen countries’ national capacities for participation in the international food standards body, Codex Alimentarius. The specific emphasis of the workshop is on microbiological food safety. Microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses and toxins are a major source of contamination in food that can cause illness.