A recent webinar highlighted the pivotal role of the FAO/WHO International Food Safety Authorities Network (INFOSAN) in global food safety efforts over the past two decades. Organized to mark INFOSAN’s 20th anniversary, the event underscored its integral function in disseminating information on food incidents worldwide.
INFOSAN, a key component of the WHO Alliance for Food Safety, convened stakeholders to discuss bolstering national surveillance systems. Rachelle El Khoury of INFOSAN emphasized the network’s proactive stance in identifying and mitigating food safety risks promptly, thereby enhancing emergency preparedness among WHO member states.
Since its inception, INFOSAN’s membership has grown significantly, reaching over 800 participants by 2024, a testament to its expanding global influence. El Khoury noted that INFOSAN’s presence spans 189 WHO member states, with efforts ongoing to extend coverage to remaining nations.
Eleonora Dupouy, a food safety officer at FAO, highlighted the vulnerabilities in global food safety amidst demographic shifts, urbanization, and evolving food production methods. She stressed the fragility of food safety systems, susceptible to biological, chemical, and physical hazards, as well as external factors like climate change and technological advancements.
Julie Moss, director of CFSAN’s Office of International Engagement, emphasized the critical role of data in managing food safety risks effectively. Moss outlined the use of data for risk assessment, management, and preventive measures, underscoring its role in identifying emerging threats such as the recent enoki mushroom outbreaks in the United States.
The webinar concluded with a call for enhanced international cooperation and data-driven approaches to mitigate food safety risks globally, preparing for both anticipated challenges and unexpected emergencies in the future.
This commemorative event not only celebrated INFOSAN’s achievements but also reinforced the imperative of collaborative efforts in safeguarding global food safety standards.
Related Topics:
