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Food Safety and Food Security. Valerie Rhoe. Why are Food Safety Regulations Needed?. $400-500 billion per year in food trade Increase export partners Increase ease of exporting Minimize financial loss Increase agricultural intensity
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Food Safety and Food Security Valerie Rhoe
Why are Food SafetyRegulations Needed? • $400-500 billion per year in food trade • Increase export partners • Increase ease of exporting • Minimize financial loss • Increase agricultural intensity • Biological contamination is a major cause of death in developing counties • Increase food security Page 2
Food Exports Otsuki, T, J. Wilson, and M. Sewadeh. 2001 Page 3
Why is government intervention needed? • Incomplete markets for food safety • Imperfect information Page 4
Are There International Standards? - Yes • WTO • Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS) • Established January 1, 1995 • Final decision: Uruguay Round of multilateral trade negotiations Page 5
Benefits of SPS • Consumers are receiving food that is safe to eat • Avoid standards that lead to excessive trade restrictions • Set basic rules for food safety • Sovereignty in setting country-specific regulations • Regulations based on science • No unjustified or arbitrary discrimination to counties with similar conditions Page 6
Impediments to Food Safety Regulation in Developing Countries • Lack of food act • Lack of food control infrastructure • Lack of facilities to implement food control practice properly • Shortage of train staff • Lack of qualified judges Page 7
Why are Developing Countries Lagging Behind? • Limited financial and physical resources • Low purchasing power • Importance on political agenda • Lack of motivation • Low capacity • Fragmented food system Page 8
Why are Developing Countries Lagging Behind? • Underdeveloped post-harvest infrastructure • Inappropriate technology • Food service establishment are poorly maintained • Constant changes in Codex Alimentarius Page 9
Capacity Strengthening Needs for: • Policymakers • Analysts • Scientists • Inspectors • Processors • Producers • Export control programs Page 10
Basic Guidelines for FoodSafety Policies • Adequate • Equivalent/Harmonized • Scientifically based Page 11