International relations
With the diverse range of foods from around the globe available to people in the UK and with free trade and markets within the European Union, the Food Standards Agency aims to ensure that imported foods meet the required UK standards, in order to protect the safety and interests of the consumer.
As a result the Agency is playing an increasingly important role internationally, representing the UK Government on joint international bodies and making food safety information available to other countries and organisations.
Developing relations with international organisations plays an equally important role, and the Agency has an interest in the work of several international organisations.
The most significant fora in which other countries participate and the FSA has a varied interest are:
- Joint FAO/WHO Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex Alimentarius)
- World Health Organisation (WHO)
- Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO)
- World Trade Organisation (WTO)
- Office International des Epizooties / World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE)
In particular, the FSA negotiates on behalf of the UK Government in the joint FAO/WHO body, Codex Alimentarius Commission, which was created to develop food standards, guidelines and related texts such as codes of practice. By active involvement in meetings and contributing to the EU's input to Codex, the Agency aims to influence the standards set for food traded globally and for better consumer involvement in the development of standards.
Contacts with individual countries have been made through numerous officials visiting the Agency and by Agency representatives travelling overseas. The FSA also has links with food authorities around the world – including those in the USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
The Agency's remit in relation to developing countries and international organisations
In July 2002, an information paper was submitted to the Agency's Board, outlining the FSA's relationship with developing countries and international organisations.
The paper pointed out that in relation to developing countries, which are often among the UK's trading partners, the FSA exchanges information on areas relating to the country's interests and also three main issues:
- why the Agency was established and the unique way in which it operates - this emphasises the importance of openness and putting the consumer first
- the requirements of EU legislation - this could help reduce the possibility of developing countries' exports being rejected because of excessive pesticide residues
- the Agency's experience and expertise - disseminating knowledge gathered on particular food safety issues, such as BSE, would enable other countries to benefit from the UK's experience
The paper summarising the Agency's relations with developing countries and international organisations can be read in full below.
Related links
(pdf 17KB)Find out more
Codex
The Codex Alimentarius is a series of food standards and related texts that aim to provide a high level of consumer protection and fair practice in the international trade of food and agricultural products.