44D-12 |
Economic impact of food safety: Implications for Caribbean countries |
G. S. H. BACCUS-TAYLOR, Food Science & Technology Unit, The Univ. of the West Indies, Saint Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago and R. M. Gordon. Agricultural production, domestic, regional and international trade and tourism, are significant contributors to the economic output of the open economies of the countries of the Caribbean Community, in addition to export earnings as well as absorption of labour. Food safety issues impact significantly on these areas, as well as on the manufacture of processed foods and on the preparation and service of meals in foodservice institutions and by itinerant street vendors. The objectives of the study were to assess the food safety status of CARICOM Member States, focusing on plant, animal and human health systems and to review possible impact of the assessment on the economic output of the countries. Information was sought on issues such as legislation and regulatory procedures, laboratory infrastructure, foodservice and manufacturing handling practices, epidemiological systems, training, public awareness programs and institutional arrangements. The economic structure of selected countries was examined with an indication of the trends in trade. The trend in detentions of non-traditional food exports for the US Market was also examined. The analysis showed that agricultural production and trade play a critical role in the economic output of many CARICOM states, through its contribution to export earnings as well as employment. Tourism is also important in this regard. Inadequate attention to food safety issues result in loss of market share either through a shift in purchasing patterns as experienced by other countries, or through detention by the regulatory agency of the importing country. Weak food safety policies also jeopardized the tourism sector through incidences of foodborne illnesses. Improvements in the food safety system and its infrastructure would serve to enhance the earning potential of the agricultural and tourism sectors and lead to greater economic output from those sectors.
Session 44D, International
|