Future impact of food safety issues on animal production and trade: implications for research

Abstract

This review describes the emergence of food safety as an important factor influencing international trade and discusses why it will be increasingly so into the foreseeable future. The continuing development of an international framework for conducting food safety risk analysis is summarised. Livestock researchers have an important role to play in recognising and warning of potential food safety threats and in generating risk assessment data. The need for greater awareness of food safety issues among livestock researchers in Australia is suggested. Possible strategies and infrastructure for Australian institutions engaged in livestock health and production research, which may assist in strengthening the interface with government agencies responsible for protecting consumers and exports from food safety threats, are also considered. Corynetoxins are used as an example of a potential food safety issue of relevance to livestock production in Australia.