NUTRITION

Food safety. On April 16, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended improving the hygiene of food industry markets in order to prevent further epidemics. In this respect, the position of the health agency is that all sectors affected by COVID-19, including food markets, must ensure “sound regulatory systems” and a high level of cleanliness, hygiene and safety once they are in a position to gradually resume normal activity. Governments in the region are expected to take these recommendations into account to enhance safety measures when planning the return of commercial activities after the end of lockdowns.

WHO Director Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stressed that countries should “enforce food safety and hygiene regulations to ensure that food sold in markets is safe.

On the safety of the food industry, WHO noted that together with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) they have provided guidance and assistance to countries on market safety and security. In this regard, Adhanom Ghebreyesus explained that they have provided guidance on COVID-19 for food companies and advice on food safety and live animal markets.

In this regard, agencies such as the NCD Alliance urged governments to unite to respond to the global pandemic with “solidarity” and called for “increased financial contributions to WHO”. In addition, they said a strong WHO is needed because “guidance and leadership are essential to support countries and foster international cooperation to address the COVID-19 pandemic”.

Next step

WHO is committed to working with all countries to find specific solutions to stop transmission while ensuring the continued provision of essential health services and mitigating the social and economic consequences of the pandemic. In this regard, the UN health agency expects countries to implement strict standards to ensure food safety and strengthen hygiene measures in food markets.