Resources

Research

 Learn who determines if food is safe. Who is writing the international, national, and state or regional regulations and laws that determine what is safe and what is not. Standards are not always consistent between jurisdictions and approaches to ensuring food safety differ between countries. The World Trade Organization (WTO) must settle disputes between trading partners and insure all food meets specific levels of quality and safety. Where does your country and the food you are consuming fit in?

Resources for Research

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International food standards, guidelines and codes of practice contribute to the safety, quality and fairness of this international food trade. The reference made to Codex food safety standards in the World Trade Organization’s Agreement on Sanitary and Phytosanitary measures (SPS Agreement) means that Codex has far reaching implications for resolving trade disputes.  Click here to learn more.

 FAO supports and adheres to a number of conventions, agreements and treaties that relate to food and agriculture. We also work to assist Member Countries to develop and implement standards and guidelines, including the FAO/WHO managed Codex Alimentarius which protects consumer health and promotes fair practices in food trade. They have an extensive legislative database to give users quick access to national laws, regulations and policies on food, agriculture and natural resource management. Click here to learn more.

 To provide a better guarantee of food of animal origin and to promote animal welfare through a science-based approach. The OIE Member Countries have decided to provide a better guarantee of the safety of food of animal origin by creating greater synergy between the activities of the OIE and those of the Codex Alimentarius Commission. The OIE’s standard-setting activities in this field focus on eliminating potential hazards existing prior to the slaughter of animals or the primary processing of their products (meat, milk, eggs, etc.) that could be a source of risk for consumers. Click here to learn more.

Article 20 of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) allows governments to act on trade in order to protect human, animal or plant life or health, provided they do not discriminate or use this as disguised protectionism. In addition, there are two specific WTO agreements dealing with food safety and animal and plant health and safety, and with product standards in general. Both try to identify how to meet the need to apply standards and at the same time avoid protectionism in disguise. These issues are becoming more important as tariff barriers fall — some compare this to seabed rocks appearing when the tide goes down. In both cases, if a country applies international standards, it is less likely to be challenged legally in the WTO than if it sets its own standards. Click here to learn more.

The ICMSF functions as a small “working group” of elected members and invited consultants. The Commission has performed in-depth studies on all essential aspects relating to microbiological specifications for foods, recommending sampling plans and microbiological criteria, and defining and promoting the use of GHP, HACCP and other systems of managing food safety. Click here to learn more.

 The USA Food and Drug Administration is responsible for protecting the public health by ensuring the safety, efficacy, and security of human and veterinary drugs, biological products, and medical devices; and by ensuring the safety of our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, and products that emit radiation. Click here to learn more.

 USDA provides leadership on food, agriculture, natural resources, rural development, nutrition, and related issues based on public policy, the best available science, and effective management. They have a vision to provide economic opportunity through innovation, helping rural America to thrive; to promote agriculture production that better nourishes Americans while also helping feed others throughout the world; and to preserve our Nation’s natural resources through conservation, restored forests, improved watersheds, and healthy private working lands. Click here to learn more.

EFSA’s work is undertaken in response to requests for scientific advice from the European Commission, the European Parliament and EU Member States. They examine emerging issues and new hazards and update assessment methods and approaches. EFSA’s scientific advice is mostly provided by its Scientific Panels and Scientific Committee, members of which are appointed through an open selection procedure. EFSA staff also monitor and analyze information and data on biological hazards, chemical contaminants, food consumption and emerging risks. Click here to learn more.

Established in 2000 following several high-profile outbreaks of foodborne illness, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) is the independent government department working to protect public health and consumers’ wider interests in relation to food in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The mission is food you can trust. Their work not only protects people but also reduces the economic burden of foodborne illness and supports the UK economy and trade by ensuring that the food has a strong reputation for safety and authenticity in the UK and abroad. They are responsible for the systems that regulate food businesses and we are at the forefront of tackling food crime. Click here to learn more.

It brings together food safety and food control institutions in Africa. It includes food and veterinary laboratories, food inspectorates and other stakeholders, uniting to strengthen food safety control systems. Participants collaborate and share information on food matters and on analytical techniques. Analytical methods, such as Standard Operating Procedures, are shared through its web platform. Click here to learn more.

 Food safety is an essential element of food security, especially in the UAE, which depends on imports for meeting a large part of its food needs. The UAE took the following measures to ensure food safety; Passed a law on food safety, Introduced National Food Accreditation and Registration System, Launched the National Rapid Alert System for Food and Applied control of imported food for non-trading purposes. Click here to learn more.

It is responsible for executing the national policies regarding animal and plant quality and safety, as well as food safety. It also verifies the respect and implementation of the current legislation on the matter. Click here to learn more.

It is responsible for assessing the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s activities related to food safety. The Department also evaluates the safety of veterinary drugs used in food-producing animals. The CFIA is responsible for enforcing the food safety policies and standards that Health Canada sets.  Click here to learn more.

The principal of equivalence in food safety is based on the recognition that the same level of food safety can be achieved by applying alternative hazard control measures. The objective is to determine if these measures, when applied to food, achieve the same level of food safety as that achieved by applying specified measures. Click here to learn more.

 (formerly the China Food and Drug Administration, or CFDA) was founded on the basis of the former State Food and Drug Administration (SFDA). In 2018, as part of China’s 2018 government administration overhaul, the name was changed to ‘National Medical Products Administration’ and merged into the newly-created State Administration for Market Regulation., elevating it to a ministerial-level agency. 

The ICMSF functions as a small “working group” of elected members and invited consultants. The Commission has performed in-depth studies on all essential aspects relating to microbiological specifications for foods, recommending sampling plans and microbiological criteria, and defining and promoting the use of GHP, HACCP and other systems of managing food safety. Click here to learn more.

Learn

 What do the words on your packages of food really mean? Who is monitoring these international and national regulations? Food laws are not stagnate and are constantly changing as new technology and foods are introduced. Each country has their own inspections, priorities, and rejection lists. What is the latest scientific evidence that is guiding food safety in your country and abroad? Is your country focusing on the goal of preventing foodborne illnesses or are they reacting to them as they occur?

Resources for Learning

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The Nutrition and Food Safety (NFS) Department is addressing the burden of disease from physical, chemical and microbial hazards in food and unhealthy diets, maternal and child malnutrition, overweight and obesity. Click here to learn more.

 ARSO was formed in 1977 with the principal mandate to harmonise African Standards, Conformity Assessment & Procedures in order to reduce Technical Barriers to Trade and therefore promote Intra African and International Trade as well as enhance the industrialization of Africa. Click here to learn more.

FoodDrinkEurope represents the European food and drink industry, the largest manufacturing sector in the EU in terms of turnover and employment. It aims to promote the industry’s interests to European and international institutions, contributing to a framework addressing, inter alia, food safety and science, nutrition and health, environmental sustainability and competitiveness. Click here to learn more.

Get information from CDC on preventing food poisoning, food poisoning symptoms, foodborne disease outbreaks, and recalled food. Click here to learn more.

Canadian Food Inspection Agency The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is dedicated to safeguarding food, animals and plants, which enhances the health and well-being of Canada’s people, environment and economy. Click here to learn more.

The Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (the Act) authorizes FDA to detain a regulated product that appears to be out of compliance with the Act. The FDA district office will then issue a “Notice of FDA Action” specifying the nature of the violation to the owner or consignee. The owner or consignee is entitled to an informal hearing in order to provide testimony regarding the admissibility of the product. If the owner fails to submit evidence that the product is in compliance or fails to submit a plan to bring the product into compliance, FDA will issue another “Notice of FDA Action” refusing admission to the product. The product then has to be exported or destroyed within 90 days Click here to learn more.

Share

 Let your friends and family know what you’ve learned. Interact with food organizations, societies, and activists that are interested in the foods you are consuming or might come across. Are food standards affecting the food’s basic nature, essential characteristics, nutritional quality or safety? There is evidence of the divide between consumer-driven values and the economics driving food production.

Resources for Sharing

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An organization whose mission is to work “at the intersection of equity, democracy, and food justice to stop corporate control over the food we eat,”Home – Feed the Truth

 Food Safety News was founded in 2009 to fill a void. In-depth reports are published daily, and are complemented by contributed articles and opinion pieces written by food safety leaders from every sector of the industry.  Click here to learn more.

Food Poisoning Bulletin is a news source for consumers to alert them to food recalls, food poisoning outbreaks and food safety news. Our goals are to empower consumers and make the United States food supply the safest it can be. Click here to learn more.

Keller and Heckman’s comprehensive Food & Drug law practice offers regulatory and litigation support to clients in the food, dietary supplement, pharmaceutical, medical device, veterinary product, cosmetic, and food packaging sectors.  Click here to learn more.

Neal Fortin, Director of MSU’s Institute for Food Laws and Regulations offers insights into international food issues. Click here to learn more.

Her research examines scientific and socioeconomic influences on food choice, obesity, and food safety, with an emphasis on the role of food industry influence. Click here to learn more.

CropLife International has signed a strategic partnership agreement with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) The health and safety of consumers and pesticide users remains our industry’s highest priority. We are united by a passion to improve agriculture through engagement and partnerships. We are open to the need for a variety of   sustainable agricultural practices & informed discussion on the future of farming. We care about our planet and managing its finite resources intelligently. We are committed to sustainable agriculture and the responsible use of plant science technologies worldwide. Click here to learn more.

Consumers International, UNEP and One Planet Network release their global assessment of recycling and sustainability labelling on plastic packaging. The research found only 19% of assessed labels give consumers quality information to make informed recycling and purchasing decisions. Click here to learn more.

 The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) provides research-based policy solutions to sustainably reduce poverty and end hunger and malnutrition in developing countries.  Click here to learn more.

 ILSI is a nonprofit, worldwide organization whose mission is to provide science that improves human health and well-being and safeguards the environment. Click here to learn more.

 Through its members, it brings together experts to share knowledge and develop voluntary, consensus-based, market relevant International Standards that support innovation and provide solutions to global challenges. Click here to learn more.

The International Union of Food Science and Technology (IUFoST), a country-membership organisation, is the global voice of food science and technology. It is the only representative for the discipline of Food Science and Technology elected into the International Council for Science (ICSU).  It is a voluntary, non-profit federation of national food science organisations linking the world’s food scientists and technologists. Click here to learn more.

The Public Research and Regulation Initiative (PRRI) is a world-wide initiative of public sector scientists active in modern biotechnology research for the common good. The objective of PRRI is to provide a forum for public researchers to be informed about and involved in international regulations pertaining to modern biotechnology.  Click here to learn more.

 SSAFE is a global non-profit membership organization that works to strengthen food safety and improve human, plant and animal health and wellbeing. Click here to learn more.

The World Food Programme (WFP) is the leading humanitarian organization saving lives and changing lives, delivering food assistance in emergencies and working with communities to improve nutrition and build resilience. Click here to learn more.

The World Public Health Nutrition Association is an individual membership organisation. Membership is open to anybody who supports, and is committed to, the aims and purpose of the Association. The Association also provides a professional certification scheme for members who work in public health nutrition. Click here to learn more.

The WVA unites and represents the global veterinary profession. It is the umbrella organization for National Veterinary Associations and International associations of veterinarians working in different areas of veterinary medicine to defend the interest of the health and welfare of animals and people. Click here to learn more.

Action

Consumers drive the changes needed for food safety. What are organizations you can participate in or create that have direct influences on the food security and safety where you live? Learn what others have done and how you can use their ideas to make changes. Consumers and elected officials have a responsibility to take action to make sure that the food and water you consume is healthy and safe for consumption.

Resources for Action

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Food sovereignty is a movement growing from the bottom up, from the farmers, fishers, indigenous peoples and landless workers most impacted by global hunger and poverty. Click here to learn more.

The USAID-funded John Ogonowski and Doug Bereuter Farmer-to-Farmer Program provides technical assistance to farmers, farm groups, agribusinesses and other agriculture sector institutions in developing and transitional countries to promote sustainable improvements in food security and agricultural processing, production, and marketing. The main goal of the program is to generate sustainable, broad-based economic growth in the agricultural sector through voluntary technical assistance. Click here to learn more.

Find a local farmer near you to sign up for  community supported agriculture shares, find farmers markets, u-pick operations, and local farm stands. Click here to learn more.

Find pasture raised meat farmers near you and learn about why pasture raised animal products are healthier for everyone.  Click here to learn more.

This is a national US registry of farmer’s markets. Click here to learn more.

Find farms near you that offer u-pick options for their fruit and vegetables. Click here to learn more.

Find your local land grand University and their Extension offices which offer services such as soil testing, workshops, master gardener programs and more. Click here to learn more.

Slow Food is a global, grassroots organization, founded in 1989 to prevent the disappearance of local food cultures and traditions, counteract the rise of fast life and combat people’s dwindling interest in the food they eat, where it comes from and how our food choices affect the world around us. Click here to learn more.

The Fermentation Association (TFA) is a trade association with the mission of getting more people to enjoy more fermented products. Click here to learn more.

The Urban Garden Initiative aims to inspire and empower youth to achieve urban sustainability through gardening. They are an international 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that aims to create a greener, better, and more sustainable planet. Click here to learn more.

Learn More about Food Safety

Contact us to schedule a speaking engagement or workshop for your organization today.

Books for Further Learning

Dig a little deeper into the soil of food safety with these books on the topic.

The Poison Squad — One Chemist’s Single-Minded Crusade for Food Safety at the Turn of the Twentieth Century. (2018) Deborah Blum. ISBN 9781594205149 

Swindled — The Dark History of Food Fraud, From Poisoned Candy to Counterfeit Coffee. (2008) Bee Wilson. ISBN 978-0-691-13820-6

Poisoned — The True Story of the Deadly E. coli Outbreak That Changed the Way Americans Eat. (2011) Jeff Benedict ISBN 13:978-0-9849543-5-3

Tainted — Fifty Years of Food Safety Failures. (2020) Phyllis Entis 

Spoiled — Why Our Food Is Making Us Sick and What We Can Do About It. (1998) Nicols Fox. ISBN 0 14 02.7555 X

The Unsavory Truth — How Food Companies Skew the Science of What We Eat (2018) Marion Nestle. ISBN 978-1-5416-5711-9

The Grand Food Bargain — and the Mindless Drive for More (2019) Kevin D. Walker. Library of Congress Control Number 2018959604 

The Secret Life of Groceries — The Dark Miracle of the American Supermarket. ((2020) Benjamin Lorr. ISBN 9780553459395 

Ending the War on Artisan Cheese — The Inside Story of Government Overreach and the Struggle to Save Traditional Raw Milk Cheesemakers. ((2019) Catherine W. Donnelly ISBN 9781603587853

Perilous Bounty — The Looming Collapse of American Farming and How We Can Prevent It. (2020) ISBN 978-1-63557-313-8

The End of Food Allergy — The First Program to Prevent and Reverse a 21-st-Century Epidemic. (2020) Kari Nadeau and Sloan Barnett ISBN 9780593189511

Food Routes — Growing Bananas in Iceland and Other Tales from the Logistics of Eating. (2019) Robyn S. Metcalfe ISBN 9780262039659 

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