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Vol.9, July 2006 |
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Over $235 billion of food products are traded every year by APEC economies with demand for higher value foods expected to increase in the future. However, many APEC member economies are currently not in a position to maximize these opportunities.
To address food safety issues in the APEC region and to capture the full advantages of future trade opportunities, APEC economies are working to harmonize relevant food laws and regulations among members and with relevant international organizations. A capacity building program is also planned for concerned agencies in developing member economies for effectively enforcing laws and regulations as well as developing a preventive approach to reduce the risk of food contamination.
The APEC Food Safety Cooperation, initiated in 2005 and co-chaired by Australia and China, is identifying the information-sharing and capacity building needs of APEC member economies to improve food safety with a focus on priorities and actions not already addressed by existing activities.
Following its meeting on 7 September 2006 in Viet Nam, the Ad Hoc Steering Group of the APEC Food Safety Cooperation Initiative will deliver its final recommendations on how members can work together to improve food safety, including practical measures for implementation.
These final recommendations will take into consideration the stocktake of current food safety related activities (APEC, international and regional organizations) compiled by the Steering Group as well as a needs analysis identifying some key themes and priorities for action. Some preliminary priorities identified include; capacity building, harmonization and collaboration between APEC food regulatory agencies.
The Ad Hoc Steering Group welcomes any comments on its work, and further information can be obtained by contacting international@foodstandards.com.au and/or dingzy@aqsiq.gov.cn. |
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