Food safety in developing countries

The last decade has seen rapidly increasing global food trade and increased exports from developing countries.

However, safety concern may restrict market access for products from these countries.

The proliferation and enhanced stringency of food safety and agricultural health standards are growing concern among many developing countries and those promoting their increase integration into the world trading system.

The potential of eating risks include severe negative consequences such as poisoning and infection, and problems in the safety of the food supply easily became regard as social problems.

Many developing countries lack the capability to undertake effective epidemiological surveillance and to conduct rigorous risk assessment which are acceptable to overseas trading partner.

Inadequate food safety is a significant contribute to the burden of disease in developing countries and should be addressed as the food system develops and along with related investments in public health.

There is a concern that many developing countries lack the administrative, technical and scientific capacities to comply with emerging requirements.

Food safety is one of many issues in developing fresh food product exports, which account do about half of all agricultural exports from developing countries. Such exports can play a role in rural poverty alleviation, but will not be the only source of increased income in rural areas.

Basic sanitation and water services may be a prerequisite for addressing many food safety hazards.

Thus, food safety is a significant issue for public health and for export markets in developing countries. Most developing countries will need technical and financial assistance to develop their own food safety systems. 

While many developing countries have widespread weaknesses in food safety and agricultural health management capacity, there is evidence that even low-income countries can, selectively, put in place the necessary, regulatory, technical and administrative arrangements to meet demanding standards in high income export markets.
Food safety in developing countries