Recognized for its competence in responding to food safety emergencies, the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety was recently designated the world’s first Collaboration Center for FAO/WHO’s International Food Safety Authorities Network (INFOSAN).
To support Codex committee deliberations, an ad hoc joint FAO/WHO committee convened to recommend a gluten reference dose (RfD) in a risk-based precautionary allergen labeling (PAL) framework to ensure food safety for people with both celiac and immunoglobulin E (IgE) -mediated wheat allergies.
The 48th session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC48) has adopted and revised various standards, including new maximum levels for lead in cinnamon and dried herbs, the first international standard for fresh dates, updated food additives provisions, and other standards.
During a technical meeting convened by IAEA, FAO, and WHO, experts emphasized the need for a joint response to the interconnected issues of food safety and nutrition. The use of nuclear techniques to enhance food safety and nutrition was also explored.
During its 100th session held in June, the FAO/WHO Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) evaluated the safety of eight food additives and one processing aid, including rosemary extract, Gardenia Blue, and carob bean gum, and revised the specifications of seven other additives and processing aids.
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.
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 World Health Organization (WHO) recently published a series of background documents on different viruses, bacteria, and parasites to inform the revision of drinking water quality guidelines and guidelines on sanitation and health.
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.
