Food safety events that require intervention to protect the health of consumers have different levels of impact, ranging from minor incidents to major crises. When food safety is compromised, issues can quickly evolve from a local problem to an international incident or emergency. So it is critical to ensure that both governments and food business operators are able to prevent and control food safety risks.

FAO works with countries to develop capacities and systems that will help prevent food safety emergencies and strengthen their preparedness to manage events when they happen.

Extreme weather events, disasters, pandemics and economic shocks can abruptly stop or damage food production, compromising the safety of the commodities or products and affecting food security and nutrition. As part of its support to countries in preparing for and responding to crises, FAO helps develop early warning capability, build resilience and ensure the availability of safe food.