To improve upon the commonly used precautionary, hazards-based approach to allergen labeling, FAO and WHO have developed a scientific approach to food allergen labeling based on actual risk, such as the likelihood and severity of an allergic reaction occurring.
FAO has published a summary of an expert meeting on foodborne toxigenic clostridia (i.e., Clostridium botulinum, Clostridium perfringens, and Clostridioides difficile), characterizing their relevant food safety aspects, describing control measures, and identifying knowledge gaps and research needs.
A recently published summary of an FAO technical meeting identified the challenges and needs related to applying gut microbiome data in future food chemical safety risk assessments.
The joint FAO/WHO World Food Safety Day campaign and theme for 2025, alongside accompanying resources, has been revealed: “Food Safety: Science in Action.” World Food Safety Day takes place on June 7 annually.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is facilitating the establishment of a Regional Food Safety Research Network and Innovation Hub (RFSRNIH) to improve food safety in Near Eastern and North African countries, addressing challenges specific to the region.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has compiled a report on the exposure of humans and food-producing animals to endocrine-disrupting chemicals—such as PFAS, BPA, and phthalates, among others—between 2004 and 2024.
FAO has put out a call for experts and data to inform an upcoming series of FAO/WHO Joint Expert Meeting on Microbiological Risk Assessment (JEMRA) sessions, with the goal of generating updated advice about microbiological risk assessment for parasites in food.
A new toolbox offered by FAO describes the risk assessment process used by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) regarding veterinary drug residues in animal-derived food products consumed by humans. FAO will also host a virtual launch event in February.
A recent report from the FAO/WHO Joint Expert Meeting on Microbiological Risk Assessment (JEMRA) summarizes the development of formal risk assessment models for Listeria monocytogenes in leafy greens, cantaloupe, frozen vegetables, and ready-to-eat (RTE) seafood.
In light of the global Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 (HPAI H5N1) outbreak, and considering the virus’ spread from poultry to dairy cows in North America, FAO has published recommendations for monitoring for HPAI H5N1 in cattle.
