Report Workshop On Operational Plans Of Actions For Food Safety In The Western Pacific Region

The Western Pacific Regional Food Safety Strategy 2011-2015 has contributed to good progress in food safety across the Western Pacific Region. However more than 125 million people fall ill and more than 50 000 die annually from unsafe food in the Region. Food safety is a highly complex health issue involving multiple domestic and international stakeholders. Over recent years new developments including the introduction of new technologies increasing internationalization of the food chain and demographic changes have affected food safety in the Region. The changing context of food safety affects food safety risk management as well as trust in the safety of the food supply. Food safety trust is a multifaceted issue and an outcome of effective food safety systems. At the same time it serves as an enabler for strengthening food safety systems to manage food safety risks and respond to food safety incidents and emergencies. The Regional Framework for Action on Food Safety in the Western Pacific builds on the achievement and lessons learnt from the 2011-2015 Strategy. It acknowledges the changing context of food safety and revisits the approach for strengthening national food safety systems. This includes a stronger focus on building trust and confidence in food safety systems and implementing strategic actions that create leadership partnerships competency and resources that are the necessary enablers for advancing food safety systems. The Framework provides guidance on strategic action and a stepwise approach to strengthen food safety systems to better manage food safety risks and respond to food safety incidents and emergencies. It is intended to guide national food safety authorities in implementation of strategic action to strengthen national food safety systems as well as to obtain and advocate for high-level political support to enhance food safety. It is also intended to facilitate regional cooperation among food safety authorities.

Food safety is a key component of public health. Ill health outcomes due to foodborne infectious diseases and food contamination are well documented. With growing globalization of the food trade, foodborne diseases do not stop at national borders. Food produced in one country may be processed in another, then transported and consumed in yet another country or several other countries. Mass production of farm animals for food production is also a potential source of health risks emanating at the human-animal interface. It is, therefore, clear that food safety is an essential element of health security. The current progress report provides information on the state of implementation of the Western Pacific Regional Food Safety Strategy 2011-2015 at its midterm, recognizing that food control system development is an ongoing process.

The Regional Framework for Action on Food Safety in the Western Pacific builds on the achievement and lessons learnt from the 2011-2015 Strategy. It acknowledges the changing context of food safety and revisits the approach for strengthening national food safety systems. This includes a stronger focus on building trust and confidence in food safety systems and implementing strategic actions that create leadership, partnerships, competency and resources that are the necessary enablers for advancing food safety systems.