Food Quality and Standards

Ensuring food quality and safety is an integral component of food security as stressed by the 1992 International Conference on Nutrition and the 1996 World Food Summit.

FAO provides the framework for the provision of technical guidance to Members on the establishment of effective food quality assurance and food control systems at both national and local levels. The objectives are to promote the establishment and operation of food control systems and programmes at national and local levels that ensure food quality and safety throughout the food chain and enhance international food trade; and to provide scientifically-based evaluation of risks and benefits associated with food production and processing methods, including biotechnology, the use of food additives, veterinary drugs, and the presence of chemical, environmental and biological contaminants in foods.

The Joint FAO/WHO Food Standards Programme (Codex Alimentarius) provides a framework for international negotiations and decisions leading to the development of science-based standards for food quality and safety that can be used in national and international legal and regulatory frameworks. Such standards are needed by Members and the international community for the effective implementation of the agricultural trade agreements reached by the Uruguay Round and the enhancement of trade opportunities, food security, and consumer protection. The major objective is to develop international science-based food standards and related instruments for use by governments to protect consumers and ensure fair practices in the food trade.

FAO also develops improved estimates of the composition of food in terms of nutrients. Those estimates are essential for the identification and diagnosis of food insecure, malnourished and nutritionally vulnerable populations, and for the design of intervention plans and programmes aimed at improving nutrition. In addition, a better knowledge of the composition of food facilitates international trade through better food labelling.

SEE NORMATIVE FRAMEWORKS:

• Building National Capacity in Food Quality and Standards (TF)
  
• Strengthening (the) National Codex Committee (TCP)
  
• Strengthening of the National Food Control System (TCP)
  

SEE PROJECT EXAMPLES:

• Strengthening Food Quality Control (TCP)
  
• Strengthening of the National Codex Committee (TCP)
  

USEFUL FAO LINKS:

• Food and Nutrition Division
  
• Commodities and Trade Division
  
• Codex Alimentarius Commission
  
• Trade in Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
  
• Agriculture 21