Food System

WHO Global Strategy for food safety 2022-2030

October 30, 2022

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On 12.10.22 the World Health Organization presented the ‘WHO Global Strategy for food safety 2022-2030‘. (1) A strategy to increase levels of food security, planet-wide, through concrete goals. To this end, it is essential to strengthen multi-sectoral collaboration, according to theOne Healthapproach .

Food Security and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The WHO Global Strategy for Food Security 2022-2030 was developed with priority attention to the
Sustainable Development Goals
(SDGs) in UN Agenda 2030:

Food safety in its broadest sense, which integrates food safety (food and beverage hygiene and safety) and food security (i.e., food supply security), is specifically considered in Sustainable Development Goals #SDG2(zero hunger), #SDG3(good health and well-being), #SDG6(clean water and sanitation for all),
other SDGs are critical to achieving and maintaining food security goals. We refer to #SDG1(end poverty), #SDG8 8(decent work and economic growth), #SDG12(responsible consumption and production). As well as #SDG17(partnerships for the goals), which in turn indicates the synergies that need to be activated to move the work forward.

One Health

Observing the interactions between human health, animal health and welfare, and ecosystems is essential. To identify potential hazards and their possible impacts. So too in defining prevention and control measures. Food insecurity has an unbearable social cost as a threat to public health and a cause of inefficiencies in supply chains with repercussions on a global scale. (3)

Collaboration between relevant national authorities, the private agribusiness sector, academia, consumers and any interested social parties(stakeholders) is therefore the way forward, according to WHO. All the more so where one considers the complexity of the problem, which is affected by many constantly changing factors. In this regard, reference is made to the UN report (2018) ‘
The World in 2050
‘. (4)

WHO Global Strategy for food safety 2022-2030

The comprehensive strategy is designed as a tool to support member states’ policies in prioritizing, planning, implementing, monitoring and periodically evaluating actions to reduce the burden of foodbornediseases (FBDs).

Food safety is thus put back at the center of various WHO programs and initiatives, such as:

nutrition and Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs),
antibiotic resistance(AMR, Anti-Microbial Resistance),
climate change, environmental and water health,
Health emergencies, emerging diseases, neglected tropical diseases.

The five paradigms

Five paradigms outline the strategic priorities and criteria to be followed in the review of food safety systems by the by the member states.

1) National food control system

Strengthening national food control systems, from farm to fork, is the number one strategic priority. As in fact appears logical, given that:

WHO’s 193 members are now largely aligned with Codex Alimentarius requirements for substantive standards to protect food safety,
practical implementation, on the other hand, is problematic due to the lack of official controls. Even in the US and EU, by the way, as evidenced by frequent food security crises.

2) Forward-looking

Emerging risks are identified as the second priority to look at. Suffice it to recall the WHO’s own warning in 2019 about microplastics in drinking water. Rather than the myriad toxic chemicals that are often still unregulated (e.g., PFAS).

Looking ahead also means building sustainable food systems to improve people’s nutrition and achieve other public goals. Having regard to the dimensions (social, environmental and economic) of sustainable development.

3) Evidence-based

Risk analysis, on whose theoretical foundations modern European food law was built, is listed as a third strategic priority. ‘Improve the use of food chain information, scientific evidence and risk assessment in making risk management decisions.’

Intervening at the point in the supply-chain where risk can be most easily and effectively mitigated postulates the scientific acquisition and processing of hazard information throughout the food and feed supply chains. As well as the adoption of consistent policies and decisions.

4) People-centered

Risk communication must also be strengthened. And so is the involvement of people as well as social stakeholders (Strategic Priority 4).

Involving people and stakeholders, with procedures inspired by transparency and governance (public and private) is an essential part of national food safety systems.

Public consultations must complement education and enforcement pathways to empower operators and consumers toward a culture of food safety.

5) Cost-effective

‘Promoting food security as an essential component of national, regional and international food trade‘ is the fifth Strategic Priority.

Food security-in addition to affecting the public health and livelihood of populations-has a fundamental influence on the economic success of national food systems.

The consequences of unsafe food can be measured in disease, disability and loss of life, but also in terms of avoidable economic and employment losses.

Outcome indicators and outlook

The progress of the Global Food Security Strategy may be measured through several outcome indicators. First:

– incidence of foodborne diarrheal diseases, to be estimated per 100,000 population (outcome indicator-impact),

– Multi-sectoral collaboration mechanism for food security events (capacity indicator – progress),

– Surveillance of foodborne diseases and food contamination levels (capacity indicator – progress). (6)

Dario Dongo and Giulia Pietrollini

Notes

(1) WHO (2022). Global Strategy for food safety 2022-2030 – Towards stronger food safety systems and global cooperation. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240057685 ISBN: 978-92-4-005768-5

(2) Joint Statement by FAO, WHO and WTO. International Forum on Food Safety and Trade. https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/resources/joint-statement.pdf (April 23-24, 2019, Geneva, Switzerland)

(3) Kendall H, Kaptan, G, Stewart G, Grainger M, Kuznesof S, Naughton P, et al. (2018). Drivers of existing and emerging food safety risks: Expert opinion regarding multiple impacts. Food Control. 2018; 90:440-458. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodcont.2018.02.018

(4) Amuasi JH, Lucas T, Horton R, Winkler, AS. Reconnecting for our future: The Lancet One Health commission. The Lancet. 2020; 395 (10235): 1469-1471. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(20)31027-8

(5) World Health Organization. (2018). International Health Regulations (2005): state party self-assessment annual reporting tool. World Health Organization. https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/272432

(6) World Health Organization. (2018). Joint external evaluation tool: International Health Regulations (2005), 2nd ed. World Health Organization. https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/259961