L'Agence federale pour la securite alimentaire: vers la constitution d'un outil performant au service de la sante publique et de la protection du consommateur

In: Studia diplomatica: Brussels journal of international relations, Volume 53, Issue 1-2, p. 73-94

Abstract

The damage done to Belgium's reputation in the food industry following the 1999 dioxin crisis is reviewed. In response to this disaster & the censure experienced by Belgium in terms of its poor management of the situation, it developed the Federal Agency for Food Security in Feb 2000. The Agency's missions, fields of concern, & tools for achieving its goals are discussed. Initial activities should (1) closely look at the security of Belgian foods, (2) avoid repeating past mistakes, (3) initiate a dialogue between federal authority & specific food-producing regions, (4) integrate European & international parties into a shared vision of food safety, & (5) encourage food authorities & national agencies to adapt to new challenges & demands. 2 Figures. D. Weibel