This article sheds light on some critical components of successful voluntary third-party assurance (vTPA) program implementation, particularly from an accreditation and certification service perspective. It discusses the role of accreditation and certification services and the prerequisites for successfully implementing the vTPA approach with the aim of supporting competent authorities in this process.

The Codex Alimentarius Commission met from November 27–December 2, 2023 to adopt new food safety and quality standards. As number of standards were adopted during the meeting.

This comprehensive whitepaper provides food safety managers an in-depth guide on developing an effective HACCP plan, a critical requirement in the food industry. 

A recent Joint Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)/World Health Organization (WHO) Expert Consultation on Risks and Benefits of Fish Consumption has concluded that, while the nutritional and health value of eating fish is undeniable, more research is required about the toxic effects of exposure to methylmercury and dioxins from consuming fish. 

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)/World Health Organization (WHO) Expert Committee on Food Allergens recommended allergic threshold values for common allergens in foods. 

The first survey on the use and impact of Codex Alimentarius texts shows that more than 80 percent of Codex member countries are satisfied with the international food safety guidelines.

The Joint Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)/World Health Organization (WHO) Expert Meeting on Microbiological Risk Assessment (JEMRA) will hold a meeting on September 18–22, 2023 in Rome, Italy to discuss food attribution, analytical methods, and indicators of viruses in foods.

In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we are joined by Kris de Smet, D.V.M., Head of the Food Hygiene Team under the Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety at the European Commission. Dr. de Smet discusses his work with the European Commission and Codex Alimentarius in areas such as Salmonella mitigation, foodborne illness outbreak preparedness and management, and food safety culture improvement and measurement.

A special message from FAO: World Food Safety Day (WFSD) is an important recognition for the fundamental role of food safety in achieving food security, as well as its centrality in the agri-food system. Even though WFSD comes along once a year on June 7, food safety must be protected year-round to continue promoting good health and sufficient food for all.

A number of resources are being offered in celebration of World Food Safety Day (WFSD), which takes place on June 7. The theme of WFSD 2023 is “Food standards save lives.”