The WHO Alliance for Food Safety is a network of WHO Collaborating Centres (WHO-CCs) and other partners to collaborate, share knowledge and coordinate efforts on matters related to the implementation of the WHO Global Strategy for Food Safety 2022-2030, in particular, related to foodborne disease surveillance and food contamination monitoring.
Main objectives include:
WHO Global Strategy for Food Safety 2022-2023
The WHO Alliance for Food Safety held its first Annual General Meeting in Muscat, Oman, hosted by the Food Safety and Quality Centre. Members and partners from all regions gathered to share experiences, explore innovations, and plan the next phase of collaborative work to implement the WHO Global Strategy for Food Safety.
Did you know that foodborne disease surveillance is about so much more than simply counting cases? It’s the foundation for protecting public health, identifying risks, and driving policy changes to keep food safe.
Did you miss the side event which showcased the WHO Alliance for Food Safety during the 47th session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission? Attendees gained insights into the Alliance’s mission, vision, goals and objectives.
Have you read the WHO manuals on strengthening surveillance of and response to foodborne diseases? These manuals describe how countries can strengthen their current foodborne disease surveillance and response activities and integrate them into existing national surveillance and response systems required by the International Health Regulations (IHR).
WHO launched the Alliance for Food Safety in May 2024 in Geneva, Switzerland. Representatives from WHO collaborating centres and other partners from around the world gathered at WHO HQ to launch the Alliance and plan the next steps.
This statement highlights how the WHO Alliance for Food Safety is translating science into action through collaboration, innovation, and commitment to safer food for all.
Joining the WHO Alliance for Food Safety connects you with a global network of experts, amplifies your organization's visibility, and provides opportunities to influence food safety policies and advocacy efforts. Members collaborate on strengthening food safety systems, share knowledge, and gain recognition for their contributions.
WHO departments and offices; WHO Collaborating Centres; Government institutions with a mandate for public health, food safety, animal health or environmental health; United Nations organizations; Intergovernmental organizations; Nongovernmental organizations; Academic institutions; Philanthropic foundations.
To be eligible for membership in the WHO Alliance for Food Safety, entities must contribute to the advancement of public health or food safety and align with the objectives, vision, and goals of the Alliance. They should have at least 3 years of proven experience working internationally in the field of food safety or foodborne disease surveillance. Entities must also have an established structure, a constitutive act, and accountability mechanisms.
Members should support the purpose, goals, objectives, guiding principles, work, and activities of the Alliance, and attend and actively participate in the Annual General Meetings, working group meetings to which they are members, and any other relevant ad hoc meetings, acting in the best interest of public health and in alignment with WHO policies.
The membership application process is open and interested entities can apply throughout the year. Applications will be reviewed by the secretariat in accordance with the required due diligence process. New member orientation webinars will be organized as needed.
The terms of reference (TORs) outline the Alliance's purpose, objectives, governance structure, membership criteria, roles, responsibilities, and operational procedures. They provide clarity on expectations, participation requirements, decision-making processes, and accountability mechanisms to ensure effective collaboration and alignment with WHO policies.
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