Strengthening Georgia’s Food Safety System through Rapid Risk Assessment Training
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), within the framework of ENPARD IV, funded by the European Union and Sweden, organised a tailored Rapid Risk Assessment (RRA) training for Georgia’s sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) sector. The training brought together 24 representatives from academia, competent authorities, the private sector, and relevant associations.
Led by Professor Alberto Mantovani, FAO’s International Expert on Risk Analysis, the programme aimed to strengthen national capacities to conduct timely, evidence-based risk analysis in line with the EU Food Safety Framework. Participants gained in-depth knowledge of the essential tools and coordination mechanisms required for effective, transparent, and science-based risk assessment.
The training covered key topics, including:
- Applying Rapid Risk Assessment methodologies in situations of uncertainty,
- Integrating laboratory, surveillance, trade, and epidemiological data,
- Communicating risk clearly to decision-makers and the public.
A multi-day simulation of a cross-border Salmonella Strathcona ST2559 outbreak allowed participants to practice managing uncertainty and communicating risk transparently. A second case study, focused on ethylene oxide and its metabolite 2-chloroethanol, highlighted the importance of scientific precision and sound judgement in risk assessment processes.
“Building national capacity for improved Rapid Risk Assessment contributes significantly to a more coordinated, evidence-based national risk analysis system,” said Guido Agostinucci, FAO Programme Manager. “Thanks to the support of the EU and Sweden, the training delivered under ENPARD IV provides long-term capacity development and promotes a consistent, transparent, One Health-oriented approach to risk assessment in Georgia.”
“Food safety is a key part of the One Health approach and essential for protecting public health. Timely identification, assessment, communication, and management of food-related risks are a priority for Georgia and its consumers,” said Miranda Nonikashvili, FAO National Policy Officer.
“Rapid, evidence-based risk assessment is a cornerstone of any modern food safety system,” said Denis Reiss, Programme Officer for Sustainable Food Systems at the Delegation of the European Union to Georgia. “Through EU and Swedish support under ENPARD IV, this capacity-building opportunity helps Georgia to consolidate its operational approach involving scientific and independent risk assessment when requested by the designated Competent authorities as provided by the existing EU-aligned regulation.”
The series of trainings concluded with the second meeting of the Risk Analysis Coordination Platform — a mechanism designed to establish a coordinated, evidence-based, and transparent risk analysis system that fosters collaboration among scientific institutions, competent authorities, industry stakeholders, and international partners. Specifically, the Platform aims to:
Strengthen coordination among the three components of risk analysis—assessment, management, and communication—to ensure rapid and effective responses to emerging risks.
FAO, under ENPARD IV of the EU and Sweden, has been actively supporting key stakeholders in improving food safety through advanced food control systems, as well as risk-based control mechanisms. During the coming year, the Organization will continue to actively support competent authorities, associations, academia, and the private sector on such matters.
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About the European Union
For more than 30 years, the European Union has built a close partnership with Georgia, supporting its development through knowledge and experience sharing, expertise, innovation and financial support. The relationship between the EU and the citizens of Georgia is based on shared values of peace, freedom, democracy, human rights and inclusive economic growth. More about the EU’s support in Georgiahttps://eu4georgia.eu/the-european-union-in-georgia/
About ENPARD
The European Union supports rural development in Georgia through its ENPARD Programme. Aiming to reduce rural poverty, ENPARD has been implemented since 2013. The Programme started by supporting the development of national agriculture potential. Subsequently, it also concentrated on creating economic opportunities for rural populations in Georgia. Since 2021, the Programme has also been working on improving food safety in the country, with additional support from Sweden and with FAO and the Czech Development Agency as the main implementers of this food safety component under ENPARD IV.