Rome/Budapest, 20 February 2002 -
For the first time more than 40 European countries will meet to
discuss food safety and quality issues, and how to strengthen
consumer confidence after recent food scares
The "Pan-European Conference on Food Safety
and Quality" will be held in Budapest, 25-28 February
2002. The meeting is jointly organised by the UN Food and
Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization
(WHO). It is co-sponsored by the European Community and some
FAO/WHO member countries, according to a statement issued by the
two UN agencies.
The incidence of food
contaminations caused, for example, by Salmonella, Dioxin or
pesticide residues in food and water, is still of concern in
Europe. Recent scares, like the antibiotic Chloramphenicol in
animal feed, have led to a disquiet among consumers.
To improve food safety and quality, the
chain of food production needs to be transparent and reliable,
from the farm and fisherboat to the consumer's table,
throughout the European region. Eastern European countries
should upgrade their surveillance system, control and
legislation, FAO/WHO said.
of governments, industry and consumer organisations will discuss
food safety and quality threats, food-borne diseases, the
expansion of a Rapid Alert System outside the EU and better
communication with the consumer.
meeting will also make proposals on how to improve the different
levels of food safety, regulations and control systems in
eastern and western European countries. "Many of the
food control systems in eastern and western European countries
are difficult to compare. This creates uncertainty for food
producers, traders and consumers," according to
The government of Hungary will
host the event at the Thermal Hotel Hélia in Budapest.
A press conference will be held on Monday,
25 February, at 10.15h at Hotel Hélia and on Thursday, 28
february, at 16.00h.