FAO has recently implemented a more integrated and strategic results-based budgeting and work planning process. This approach is based on the setting of strategic objectives that provide a focus for action; the definition of expected results that contribute to attaining these objectives; and the alignment of programs and resources behind the objectives. Activities related to the provision of scientific advice on Food Safety and Nutrition are part of Strategic Objective D: "Improved quality and safety of food at all stages of the food chain", and the relevant activities are mostly delivered through a multidisciplinary unit result "Scientific advice on food safety provided to standard setting bodies and FAO member countries". Scientific advice in the international context is provided by FAO,...

Many Members have requested that FAO and WHO provide technical assistance in the development of food safety emergency response plans. Reinforcing preparedness, and recognizing and responding rapidly to food safety emergencies are key elements of the food safety emergencyrelated programmes of FAO and WHO, namely the Emergency Prevention System for Food Safety (EMPRES Food Safety) and the International Food Safety Authorities Network (INFOSAN).

This document contains food additive specifications monographs, analytical methods and other information, prepared at the seventy-third meeting of the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA), which was held in Geneva, Switzerland, from 8 to 17 June 2010. The specifications monographs provide information on the identity and purity of food additives used directly in foods or in food production. The main three objectives of these specifications are to identify the food additive that has been subjected to testing for safety, to ensure that the additive is of the quality required for use in food or in processing, and to reflect and encourage good manufacturing practice. This publication and other documents produced by JECFA contain information that is useful to...

In the supply chains for fruit and vegetables there is an increasing demand for more attention to food safety. Farmer Field Schools has proven to be a very effective method to incorporate food safety aspects into farming practices. This manual is a reference guide for the inclusion of Food Safety aspects in Farmer Field School (FFS) programmes. Health (consumer protection) is the main entry point for food safety in this manual. This manual is written for managers of (national) IPM programmes, TOT master trainers and FFS facilitators.

A meeting of the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) was held in Geneva, Switzerland, from 8 to 17 June 2010. The purpose of the meeting was to evaluate certain food additives and contaminants. The present meeting was the seventy-third in a series of similar meetings. The tasks before the Committee were (a) to elaborate principles governing the evaluation of food additives and contaminants, (b) to evaluate certain food additives and contaminants and (c) to review and prepare specifications for selected food additives.

A number of emerging nanotechnologies could potentially provide significant benefits in various sectors, including food, water and agriculture. New and emerging applications such as water purification systems, rapid pathogen and chemical contaminant detection systems, and nano-enabled renewable energy technologies applied along the food chain may be the new tools to address some of the challenges pertaining to sustainable agricultural development as well as food safety and food security that countries are facing today – in particular developing countries. The conference aimed to: – identify those emerging nanotechnology applications which are considered as having the greatest potential in providing broad equitable social benefits; – promote collaboration and partnerships among countries on issues of common interest; and – promote a harmonized approach...

While FAO recognizes that genetic engineering has the potential to help increase production and productivity in agriculture, forestry and fisheries, FAO is also mindful of concerns about the potential risks posed by certain aspects of modern biotechnology, including effects on human and animal health and possible environmental consequences. This training package, GM Food Safety Assessment: Tools for Trainers, is composed of three parts, and is accompanied by a CD-ROM containing the visual aids and other relevant reference materials. The first part, Principles of safety assessment of foods derived from recombinant-DNA plants, provides guidance for the implementation of an effective framework for safety assessment of foods derived from recombinant-DNA plants. The second part, Tools and techniques for trainers, offers a practical...

Fish and fishery products are nutritious and healthy and are an important source of food and livelihood for many millions of people worldwide. However, if such products are not handled and processed correctly the consumer may be at risk. Fish inspection is concerned with ensuring that the consumer has access to safe and nutritious fish and fish products, whether the fish is from domestic sources of supply, imported or to be exported to consumers in another country. The present guidelines are designed to complement the FAO Risk-based food inspection manual, and consist of five main sections: 1) introduction, 2) important characteristics of fish as food, food safety hazards, and the risk-based approach to fish inspection, 3) key elements of the...

This document contains monographs on residue evaluations of certain veterinary drugs, prepared at the seventieh meeting of the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA), which was held in Geneva, Switzerland from 21 to 29 October 2008. Three substances were evaluated for the first time for the animal species concerned, avilamycin, monensin and narasin. Four substances were reassessed, dexamethasone, tilmicosin, triclabendazole and tylosin. The residue monographs provide information on chemical identity and properties of the compounds, pharmacokinetics and metabolism, residue depletion studies and analytical methods validated and used for the detection and quantification of the compounds. In addition to these monographs, this document includes the considerations and recommendations developed by the Committee for residues of veterinary drugs in honey...