Three U.S. agencies have forged a partnership to improve global food safety standards.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are launching the Food Safety for Food Security Partnership (FS4FS). The initiative includes the investment of $15 million over the next five years to support the availability and trade of safe food products to reduce poverty, hunger, and malnutrition in low- and middle-income countries.

During the U.S.–Africa Leaders Summit, many African heads of state reached out to USDA for help in developing science- and risk-based measures and standards to ensure the supply and safety of their countries’ food. Through FS4FS will work together with these nations to address their needs, which are vital to ensuring greater access to safe and nutritious food across Africa. The partnership will focus on transforming agrifood systems through food safety delivered through policies and institutions, as well as farmer, consumer, and industry readiness.

FS4FS will build upon the work of Feed the Future with countries around the world. Led by USAID, Feed the Future brings together partners from across various sectors and the U.S. Government to help countries change the way their food systems work.

To improve trade, and food safety and security, FS4FS aims to support the development of sanitary and phytosanitary systems in Feed the Future countries. Through the partnership, longstanding barriers to participation in the food system will be addressed through capacity-building.

With its capital investment, the partnership will provide technical assistance, knowledge management, and digital tools to strengthen the policy and regulatory environments in participating countries. The collective efforts will help achieve global food security goals by decreasing foodborne illnesses and reducing trade suppression.