Food safety and quality topics in national plans of action for nutrition

National Plans of Action for Nutrition, submitted to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, were analysed to determine common themes related to food safety and quality. Nations proposed strategies to improve their food hygiene and control chemical contaminants. Countries who primarily rely on local food production focused on reducing diarrhoeal diseases through public education about food and water hygiene. Countries moving into or participating in market economies discussed improvements needed in their food control system, with many concentrating on use of Coder Alimentarius food standards to facilitate trade. Education of farmers, food manufacturers, food inspectors, and consumers was seen as essential. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.