Related items
Showing items related by metadata.
-
Book (stand-alone)Technical bookFood safety foresight: approaches to identify future food safety issues 2025
Also available in:
No results found.Foresight approaches in food safety enable the proactive identification and management of emerging issues – including both risks and opportunities – over the medium to long term. These approaches are most effective when human expertise is complemented by emerging digital tools and supported by strong knowledge partnerships among stakeholders. This publication outlines best practices and guiding principles for an effective food safety foresight approach, designed for policymakers, regulators, researchers and industry professionals. It supports timely, informed decision making to strengthen preparedness across agrifood systems.As global agrifood systems undergo rapid transformation, driven by factors such as climate change, urbanization, global trade and technological innovation, the complexity of food safety challenges continues to grow. This publication explores how foresight techniques can be used to prepare for emerging issues and inform science- and evidence-based risk assessments. It highlights the importance of multisectoral collaboration and knowledge sharing, drawing on insights from a global network of experts – from governments, international organizations, research institutes, universities, and the private sector – convened by FAO in 2025.The FAO Food Safety Foresight Programme proactively identifies, assesses and prioritizes emerging trends and drivers shaping agrifood systems that may have implications for food safety. Effective food safety foresight begins with clear objectives and a flexible, structured approach that combines qualitative and quantitative data. It relies on expert-led intelligence gathering, supported by digital tools to identify emerging risks and opportunities. Inclusive stakeholder engagement across sectors enhances insight and objectivity. Success depends on strong communication, institutional buy-in and alignment with decision-making processes. Even with limited resources, foresight capacity can start small and grow over time. This approach empowers stakeholders to anticipate and respond to future food safety challenges, supporting resilient agrifood systems and proactive policy making worldwide. -
DocumentOther documentFAO Food Safety Foresight Framework Meeting. Summary report
Rome, Italy, 1–3 April 2025
2025Also available in:
No results found. -
Book (stand-alone)General interest bookGlobal dialogue on food technologies: Food safety aspects of cell-based food and precision fermentation
Stakeholder roundtable meeting report, Toronto, Canada, 10 October 2024
2025Also available in:
No results found.Innovative food production processes, such as cell-based food and precision fermentation, are gaining attention as complementary approaches to conventional agriculture, with the potential to contribute to food security and sustainability. However, these emerging technologies also raise food safety concerns to be addressed early in their development. Understanding the specific production steps, input materials, and characteristics of final products is critical for science-based safety assessments. Yet, many countries face knowledge gaps and may have limited resources or capacity to effectively assess the safety of these new foods.To support evidence-based decision-making and foster international dialogue, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has convened annual stakeholder roundtable meetings since 2022. These events bring together experts from government, academia, and industry to share technical developments, regulatory experiences, and good practices. This report summarizes the outcomes of the third roundtable, held in Toronto, Canada, in October 2024, in collaboration with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC). The meeting featured technical presentations, case studies, and a special session on Canada’s novel food regulatory framework.Key themes that emerged from the discussions included the importance of transparency, early engagement with regulators, and clear, consistent terminology. Participants underscored the need for cross-sector collaboration and information exchange to address ongoing challenges such as high production costs, data requirements, and regulatory uncertainty. The insights shared in this report will inform future guidance and contribute to ongoing efforts to ensure that innovation in food production proceeds safely, transparently, and inclusively.
Users also downloaded
Showing related downloaded files
No results found.