Background of the Conference

1. Introduction
2. Preparation of the Conference
3. Proposed follow-up of the Conference

1. Introduction

Concerns over food safety and quality are increasing worldwide. They are priority subjects issues for governments, food producers, industry, traders and consumers alike. The burden of foodborne disease is significant in all parts of the world, and for some important foodborne hazards the reported incidence of disease seems to have increased over the last decades. In the European region, some food safety and quality emergencies of problems in recent years have in some cases endangered consumers' health. This has resulted in a decrease in consumer confidence in some parts of the food supply. It has also had an severe economic impact on farmers and food producers in the region. The effects of these concerns have signalled a strong need for member countries to strengthen the food safety and quality systems in a sustainable way, with a view to reducing the level of foodborne disease, to restore the confidence of consumers and to improve the conditions of food production and trade within the region and beyond.

2. Preparation of the Conference

After a meeting of the Steering Committee held on 13 November 2000, an FAO/WHO Conference Secretariat was installed, with its base in Rome, to prepare the Conference and related activities. At a preparatory meeting on 4 May 2001 was attended by a large number of FAO and WHO members,. At this meeting the following guidelines were identified as possible beneficial contributions for food safety and quality improvements in the whole European region:

1. Expand knowledge on food safety and quality parameters;
2. Develop an integrated approach linking agriculture and agribusiness to public health and consumer protection;
3. Develop harmonized regional food safety strategies and food safety communication networks;
4. Increase transparency and understanding regarding food safety and quality control systems in the countries in the European region;
5. Explore strategies on how to communicate with consumers, producers and regulators about food safety risks;
6. Improve conditions for trade of food products within and beyond the European region;
7. Prevent and contain health and trade implications of food safety emergencies or of deficient transparency regarding food safety hazards.

It was generally acknowledged that regarding effective in order to improvement of food safety and quality situations, the whole food chain should be taken into consideration. The Conference Preparatory Meeting agreed that the two main themes to be addressed should be:

• Pan-European co-operation in policy and science advancement;
• Pan-European co-operation in information and communication development.

Several members of the region contributed to specific technical and policy Conference papers to facilitate the discussions. The Conference Secretariat reviewed the papers with the assistance of experts and specialized consultants and developed a synopsis of draft recommendations, provided by the authors of the papers. Also t The invitees were given the opportunity possibility of to submitting Conference Room Documents. was offered to the invitees. Special attention was paid to obtaining a good balance of expertise and contributions from throughout the whole region.

3. Proposed follow-up of the Conference

As the initiative for the Pan-European Conference was taken at the 22^nd FAO Regional Conference for Europe, it was envisaged that the Final Report of the Conference including its recommendations, wshould be discussed at the 23^rd FAO Regional Conference for Europe (Nicosia, May 2002). The Report would also be presented to the 52^nd WHO Regional Committee for Europe (Copenhagen, September 2002). These two meetings should consider the report and giveset prioritiesy and establish commitments to follow-up its recommendations.