Acrylamide, fusarium and melamine – are stricter regulations expected?

The issue of global food safety has become increasingly important today, as people’s health is directly intertwined with the quality of the food they consume. The food industry is constantly evolving, but various health risks, such as foodborne illnesses and the emergence of chemically contaminated products, raise concerns worldwide. To promote healthy eating, professional organizations and authorities are continuously working to tighten safety standards.

Recent developments indicate that the international community is taking significant steps to strengthen food industry regulations. The World Health Organization (WHO) recently adopted new, stricter food inspection regulations aimed at ensuring the availability and consumption of healthy foods in every country. These changes affect not only manufacturers but also local authorities, thereby reinforcing global food safety.

These measures serve to protect consumers and provide the opportunity to develop necessary regulations based on the latest scientific findings, which help minimize harmful substances such as mycotoxins and other hazardous compounds in food.

International Food Inspection Regulations

The new food inspection regulations established by the WHO aim to improve global food safety. At the latest meeting, attended by representatives from 125 countries, 30 new mandatory conditions were adopted. These conditions are uniformly applicable in every country around the world, and their goal is to protect consumer health. The food industry and local authorities must cooperate to ensure full compliance with these regulations.

Representatives from countries involved in international food inspection emphasized that these regulations take into account 99% of the world’s population, meaning they will be practically applicable everywhere. The new regulations aim to prevent food contamination and the associated health problems that pose significant challenges globally.

The WHO’s food-related group, the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC), has long been working to improve food safety standards, and new guidelines were developed at the recent meeting. They continuously monitor scientific research to take steps based on the most up-to-date information regarding food quality and safety.

Mycotoxins and Health Risks

Mycotoxins, produced by certain molds, are considered one of the most dangerous toxins found in food. These toxins can cause various health issues and pose serious risks to consumers. The WHO’s new regulations pay particular attention to the inspection of foods contaminated with mycotoxins.

Efforts to reduce the presence of mycotoxins in the food industry have become increasingly urgent. The regulations aim to hold manufacturers accountable for the quality of the products they produce and to enable authorities to more effectively monitor food safety. Research on mycotoxins is continually expanding, and the scientific community is striving to understand the long-term health effects of these substances.

The stringent checks introduced by the WHO aim to reduce the levels of mycotoxins in food so that consumers can enjoy safer meals. As part of the new guidelines regarding mycotoxins, authorities must monitor the occurrence of molds in food and take action to withdraw contaminated products.

Acrylamide and Melamine: Stricter Inspections

Acrylamide, a compound primarily found in heavily fried foods like French fries and bread, is also at the center of the WHO’s new food inspection regulations. The body’s goal is to reduce the amount of this compound in food, as some studies suggest it may be linked to certain cancers.

The international scientific community is divided on the health risks associated with acrylamide, but the WHO has decided to implement stricter regulations for the food industry. Manufacturers must pay attention to minimizing the presence of this substance in their products and must undergo stricter inspections during the production processes.

The prohibition of melamine use is also part of the latest regulations, as this compound was recently used in the Chinese food industry to adulterate feed. The WHO’s new guidelines encourage local authorities to more rigorously inspect ginseng products and soy products, which are often fortified with melamine.

The goal of stricter inspections and regulations is to ensure that consumers can enjoy safer and healthier foods, thus protecting them from potentially harmful substances. To promote healthy eating, both manufacturers and authorities must take responsibility for the quality and safety of food.