In a recent policy brief, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) underscores the significance of food safety in the context of international trade. The document, authored by Markus Lipp, Vittorio Fattori, and Cosimo Avesani, explores the intricate relationship between trade and food safety while acknowledging the potential risks associated with the increased availability of unsafe food.
To enhance trade and guarantee the provision of safe food globally, the brief outlines four key areas that demand attention at national, regional, and international levels. The authors stress the essential need for countries to invest in food safety, emphasizing the pivotal role of capacity-building support from FAO and other organizations.
The policy brief acknowledges that stringent food safety requirements can elevate production costs, impact product reputation, and restrict market access. To strike a balance between protecting public health and avoiding unnecessary costs and trade barriers, the authors propose the implementation and harmonization of food standards.
The document specifically highlights four focal points for improving food safety and trade dynamics. First and foremost, it advocates for a robust national food control system, emphasizing the responsibility of governments to ensure its effectiveness. The second area of focus revolves around sound scientific advice and evidence, crucial in adapting to evolving agrifood systems, new technologies, and changing trade dynamics. The brief also stresses the importance of intergovernmental and multi-stakeholder engagement, both nationally and internationally, along with fostering collaboration between public and private stakeholders.
In a parallel development, the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) has pledged €1.95 million ($2.12 million) to the Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF). This funding aims to empower small-scale farmers and producers to access global markets by implementing sanitary and phytosanitary projects. Aligning with international food safety standards becomes a priority for developing countries, fostering economic growth, sustainability, and job creation.
The STDF, established by FAO, WHO, World Bank Group, WOAH, and WTO, supports SPS project and project preparation grants for developing and least developed countries (LDCs). A briefing note from November 2023 underlines the challenges posed by climate change to SPS systems, emphasizing the need for efficient food safety, animal, and plant health systems to address emerging risks. The note advocates for increased political attention and funding to enhance monitoring, surveillance, and risk management in the face of evolving climate-related hazards.