Food safety issues in international trade: food safety in food security and food trade

Food safety regulations and standards can significantly impede trade by restricting developing countries' access to export markets through bans or high compliance costs. Compliance often requires both government actions, such as certification procedures, and private sector improvements, including better hygiene in processing facilities. Developing countries generally face higher compliance costs because their food safety systems and regulations are less developed. In addition to government regulations, voluntary food safety standards can also become effective market requirements. The case studies show that food safety requirements have affected exports of fish, groundnuts, meat, grains, and fresh fruits and vegetables by limiting market access, threatening existing exports, and changing supply chains, including greater reliance on large commercial farmers and permanent workers.