Industry body welcomes US and Asia-Pacific food safety measures

The APEC founded a food safety training network

The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), of which Chile is a member, set up the Partnership Training Institute Network (PTIN) in order to create a network of Institutes that can provide training and share resources on international best food safety practices. The PTIN is not a binding agreement: APEC commitments are undertaken on a voluntary basis.

"The PTIN is another example of how the food industry is fully committed to working cooperatively with government and other stakeholders to enhance and modernize the global food safety system," said Brackett, chief science officer of the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA).

Meanwhile, there has been growing criticism within the food industry of the US food safety system for being ‘reactionary’ rather than preventative; that is, reacting to foodborne illness outbreaks rather than acting to test and potentially recall products before anyone becomes ill.

Brackett said: "Combined with food safety legislation just passed by the US House of Representatives that places prevention as the cornerstone of our food safety system and increased industry vigilance, the PTIN will help modernize our food safety system and bolster consumer confidence in the safety and security of the food supply globally."

GMA president and CEO Pamela Bailey said: “This legislation will strengthen our nation’s food safety net by placing prevention as the cornerstone of our nation’s food safety strategy and providing FDA with the resources and authorities it needs to adequately fulfill its food safety mission.”

Aporte: Alejandra Lavín

Fuente: www.foodnavigator-usa.com