Overview
Related Amber Waves Articles
Globalization of the food supply means new food-safety risks and
previously controlled risks can be introduced into countries, and
contaminated food can be spread across greater geographic areas.
Food-safety concerns may reduce demand for certain products, alter
international food trade patterns, and limit market access for some
exporters. Food-safety
issues related to international trade present challenges for
policymakers to guard and/or enhance national food supplies.
ERS conducts analysis of global food safety that includes the
interplay of regulation and marketing incentives in promoting food
safety; labeling and traceability; and impacts of specific
foodborne illness outbreaks traced to imports. ERS maintains a set
of data on phytosanitary regulation of U.S. fresh fruit and
vegetable imports. The agency's research has included
analysis of potential risks associated with food imports from
China.