Key Food Safety Issues Addressed: Highlights from the Latest WTO Meeting

At the recent World Trade Organization (WTO) meeting focused on food safety, four new trade topics were on the table. The meeting took place in June and involved discussions about food safety and the health of animals and plants.

Attendees shared 56 specific trade concerns, including four that were newly introduced. These included issues about coffee bean imports into China, Thailand’s new regulations on aflatoxins in peanuts, and a ban on aquaculture shrimp imports. There were also concerns regarding Vietnam’s listing process for exporting establishments.

India expressed concerns over Thailand’s regulations, while the European Union and the United States highlighted issues regarding Vietnam. Japan continued to urge countries to lift bans on Japanese food products linked to the Fukushima incident and the treated water issue, which has led to restrictions from China, Hong Kong, and Russia.

China also brought up a U.S. import alert concerning milk products and melamine testing.

Previously discussed topics included pesticide residue limits in Europe, Thailand’s suspension of Brazilian beef exports, and delays by the EU in renewing fishery authorizations for Russia.

In a positive development, the Netherlands pledged CHF 1.3 million (about $1.6 million) to support developing countries in enhancing their food safety systems. This funding will help them meet international food safety standards. The initiative will start in 2025 and aims to benefit regions like least developed countries and small island nations.

WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala emphasized the importance of these improvements for sustainable trade and well-being. She stated that efforts to boost sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures are crucial for building trust and promoting trade.

Mark Jacobs from the Netherlands’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighted that food safety systems are vital for sustainable trade relations. The funding will contribute to projects aimed at enhancing SPS capacities.

Recently, the Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF) released its annual report, showing progress in SPS measures across 11 countries and supporting policy changes in 19 countries. Notably, a project in India improved spice quality, with over 80% of tested spices meeting international safety standards. In Guinea, initiatives helped strengthen the phytosanitary system, leading to increased mango exports to the EU and boosting potato production.

These developments underline a growing commitment to food safety in trade, particularly in the global south, as nations work to meet international standards and open new market opportunities.

Sign up for a free subscription to Food Safety News.

Source link