In order to promote food safety from farm to fork in low- and middle-income nations, the Food Safety System Certification (FSSC) Foundation and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) have signed a trust fund agreement.
The project, which will last for an initial three years, aims to strengthen food safety regulations in a number of low- and middle-income nations. In order to lessen the socioeconomic effects of food-borne illnesses, this is accomplished through capacity-building initiatives.
Giving back is essential to achieving FSSC's goal of improving the world. Aldin Hilbrands, Director General of the Foundation FSSC, states that the partnership with UNIDO is a crucial component of the organization's charitable giving strategy.
Two chosen low- and middle-income nations will get assistance every year from different levels in fostering a culture of food safety.
The goal of everyone involved in food safety, from small and medium businesses to national food associations and food safety authorities, is to guarantee that the food they produce or regulate is safe for local consumption.
Hilbrands stated that the Foundation FSSC participates actively by exchanging knowledge to support the local development of strengthened food safety systems in addition to the partnership to support the building of food safety capacity for local production and consumption in developing countries.
Implementing ISO-based management systems for international food safety in the consumer goods sector, FSSC is a global, non-profit, and independent scheme owner. As part of the Inclusive and Sustainable Industrial Development approach, the collaboration of UNIDO and FSSC will have a synergistic effect on accelerating and scaling up its development impact.
The project will donate FSSC funds and provide knowledge resources to support food safety capacity building for local production and consumption in developing countries. The Foundation FSSC will participate in existing technical cooperation projects as well as new collaborative projects.
"UNIDO has a strong track record in promoting food safety along the entire value chain through effective food safety capacity-building initiatives, and is committed to partnering with FSSC to reduce the socioeconomic impact of foodborne diseases in selected low- and middle-income countries," said UNIDO Managing Director Bernardo Calzadilla-Sarmiento.
According to UNIDO's MD, global food safety is a shared responsibility that necessitates collaboration and partnerships among all parties involved in food production and distribution, as well as among all relevant international organizations, countries, and the business sector.
UNIDO's Department of Agribusiness assists developing countries in adding value to their agricultural output through a variety of technical cooperation services aimed at the food and non-food sectors.
