International Food Safety Authorities Network (INFOSAN)
The International Food Safety Authorities Network (INFOSAN) is a global, voluntary network of national food safety authorities from almost all FAO and WHO Member Nations, coordinated by a joint FAO/WHO Secretariat.
By linking food safety authorities globally, INFOSAN serves as an important hub of communication where information on food safety incidents and emergencies related to internationally traded foods is shared, facilitating rapid access to relevant information. The mission of INFOSAN is to strengthen prevention, preparedness and response to food safety incidents and emergencies by fostering a global community of practice among food safety professionals. Specifically, INFOSAN aims to:
- facilitate the rapid exchange of information during food safety emergencies, especially those with inter-regional dimensions;
- share information on food safety issues of global interest;
- promote partnerships and collaboration between countries and within countries (among food safety relevant sectors), and between food safety networks; and
- help countries strengthen their capacity to manage food safety emergencies.
FAO and WHO support national authorities in strengthening their participation in the INFOSAN network. FAO in particular works with countries, encouraging all the relevant stakeholders in food safety, including ministries of agriculture and trade, to actively participate in the network. This networking across sectors supports the exchange of information and communication on food safety matters, including in the absence of an emergency.
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Featured INFOSAN documents
INFOSAN Activity report, 2020–2021
2023
This INFOSAN Activity Report provides an overview of the major events, activities, and information products relating to INFOSAN in 2020/2021.
INFOSAN Members’ Guide
2020
The purpose of this document is to serve as a functional reference guide for members of the International Food Safety Authorities Network (INFOSAN).
The Second Global Meeting of the FAO/WHO International Food Safety Authorities Network (INFOSAN): Meeting Report
2020
The Second Global Meeting of INFOSAN was held from 9-11 December 2019 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE) and attended by more than 285 participants...
GLOBAL INFOSAN STRATEGIC PLAN 2020-2025
2019
This strategic document describes the creative thinking process undertaken by the INFOSAN Secretariat with the aim to inform the decision-making process...
Other INFOSAN documents
INFOSAN Activity report, 2018–2019
2020
INFOSAN has been connecting national authorities worldwide since 2004. Its goal has been to prevent the international spread of contaminated food and foodborne disease and strengthen food safety systems globally.
INFOSAN Activity report, 2016–2017
2018
INFOSAN has been connecting national authorities worldwide since 2004. Its goal has been to prevent the international spread of contaminated food and foodborne disease, and strengthen food safety systems globally.
Enhancing Early Warning Capabilities and Capacities for Food Safety
2016
Worldwide, food safety incidents can have a significant impact on public health, economies, agrifood trade, food security, and public confidence in the food supply.
Rapport d'activité d'INFOSAN 2014/2015
2016
This INFOSAN Activity Report provides an overview of the major events, activities and information products relating to INFOSAN in 2014/2015.
Rapport d'Activité INFOSAN 2013 / Informe de actividades de INFOSAN 2013
2014
This INFOSAN Activity Report provides an overview of the major events, activities and information products relating to INFOSAN during 2013.
INFOSAN Activity Report, 2011-2012
2013
The global nature and growing complexity of the food chain means that risks posed by unsafe foods have the potential to quickly evolve from a local problem to an international incident at an increasingly rapid pace.
The International Food Safety Authorities Network (INFOSAN) - Progress Report 2004-2010
2011
In May 2010, the World Health Assembly (WHA) adopted a resolution on Advancing Food Safety Initiatives re-enforcing the importance of INFOSAN.
