Безопасность и качество пищевых продуктов

FAO and the Republic of Korea join forces to work on food safety

20/07/2021

Today FAO and the Republic of Korea signed a Framework Arrangement to collaborate on food safety, starting with a USD 10 million project that will support the implementation and monitoring of Codex standards aimed at strengthening agri-food systems by reducing foodborne antimicrobial resistance (AMR). A Member of the Codex Alimentarius Commission since 1971, the Republic of Korea has been monitoring foodborne AMR at national level since 2003 and has long held a leading role within Codex on AMR-related work. The Republic of Korea has served as Chair of the Codex ad hoc Intergovernmental Task Force on Antimicrobial Resistance (TFAMR) from 2017 to today as well as in 2007- 2011.

The new project will see FAO and the Republic of Korea work together to support several countries to implement three Codex guidelines, one of which specifically focuses on measures to contain and minimize the risk of AMR coming from the food supply chain.

Presently, around the globe, antimicrobial resistant microorganisms claim the lives of about 700 000 people each year. “This number continues to grow,” explained Jeffrey LeJeune, FAO Food Safety Officer. “If we fail to act, food production will decline and it is estimated that by the year 2050, antimicrobial resistant infections will kill more than 10 million people each year! These impacts will be felt the most in low and middle-income countries of the world where food insecurity is already problematic and health care systems are the weakest,” he said.

Since AMR can spread through food, Food Safety Authorities have important roles to play in controlling AMR. Regulations, in line with international standards, should only allow for the use of antimicrobials in agriculture that are prudent and judicious. Strengthening food hygiene practices can reduce food contamination and improved monitoring of AMR in agri-food systems can provide early warning of emerging threats and insight for potential control measures.

 

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Photo: Ministry of Food and Drug Safety of the Republic of Korea

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