The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and Foundation FSSC (the nonprofit owner of the FSSC 22000 certification) have formed a strategic partnership to promote farm-to-fork food safety in low- and middle-income countries. The initial agreement—a trust fund signed by UNIDO and Foundation FSSC—will span three years.

The goal of the partnership is to develop robust food safety systems in selected countries to reduce the socioeconomic impact of foodborne illness. Two low- and middle-income countries will be chosen every year to receive support in capacity-building for local production and growing a culture of food safety. Selected countries will also be given ongoing education to support the development of developing food safety systems.

UNIDO believes that its partnership with Foundation FSSC will accelerate UNIDO’s impact as part of its vision for Inclusive and Sustainable Industrial Development. FSSC expresses that its partnership with UNIDO is part of its “giving back” strategy to achieve a better world. FSSC will contribute financial and informational resources to new and existing projects to promote food safety along the entire value chain.