Food‑control systems are key to advancing countries’ public health and economic development. To achieve their intended goal, however, all the elements of food control systems must work effectively and consistently. The first step in ensuring that food control systems are operating efficiently throughout the entire food chain is to assess them. 

In 2019, FAO and WHO created a unique assessment tool to monitor and evaluate the performance of national food‑control systems and identify areas for improvement. 

The Food control system assessment tool is used by various Member Nations. The tool facilitates their efforts to comply with internationally recognized food safety standards and to increase their competitiveness, while protecting the health of consumers.

How is the tool structured? 

The tool is built around four main dimensions and comprises 160 assessment criteria developed to measure competencies within the food control system. Countries collect and analyse data based on these criteria, which represent the essential functions, skills, capacities and resources needed for an effective food control system. 

How can countries use the tool?

Countries can conduct the assessment independently or do so with the support of FAO or WHO.

• Self-assessment: In this option, the government is completely in charge of implementing the assessment.
• FAO/WHO‑facilitated assessments: In this option, the implementation is facilitated by FAO or WHO through the provision of technical support and overall coordination.

The assessment process culminates in the development of a strategic plan. The results of the assessment are confidential, but countries can share them with trading partners and stakeholders in the spirit of openness and mutual improvement.