WORLD: FAO launches global food safety regulators meeting

A global Forum on Food Safety Regulators is to be staged by the UN Food and Agricultural Organisation and the World Health Organisation in October, reflecting concern about recent food safety incidents, such as BSE, that the FAO claims have "caused serious turmoil in the world food markets and raised concern among consumers." The meeting - whose venue has yet to be chosen - will involve food safety officials and regulators from around the world, international organisations, consumer organisations, producers, the food industry and trade interests. "The main purpose of the Global Forum is to promote the exchange of information and experience on how to deal with food safety issues of potential importance to public health and international food trade," said the FAO.