The rapid globalization of food production and trade has increased the potential likelihood of international incidents involving contaminated food. Food safety authorities all over the world have acknowledged that ensuring food safety must not only be tackled at the national level but also through closer linkages among food safety authorities at the international level. This is important for exchanging routine information on food safety issues and to have rapid access to information in case of food safety emergencies. INFOSAN also facilitates the exchange of food safety information and experience among its members.

 

INFOSAN Emergency facilitates the identification, assessment and management of food safety events of international concern, including WHO's obligations for surveillance, verification and assessment of food safety related events and information dissemination of Public Health Risks associated with food. INFOSAN Emergency also operates in partnership with the Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN) to help respond to country requests for assistance during food safety emergencies. INFOSAN also has an interface with the Global Early Warning System for Major Animal Diseases, including Zoonoses (GLEWS) to promote seamless action throughout the food-chain continuum.