Identification should include

• World Health Organization (WHO)
  • sets global health priorities, including food safety and nutrition
  • provides data and guidance on contaminants, foodborne illness, and public health risks
• Codex Alimentarius (joint Food and Agriculture Organization [FAO]/ World Health Organization [WHO] program)
  • establishes international food standards, guidelines, and codes of practice
  • promotes fair trade and consumer protection (e.g., Codex provides standards for pesticide residues and food labeling)
• FAO
  • focuses on food security, sustainable agriculture, and hunger reduction
  • provides technical support and data for global food systems
• FDA
  • regulates food safety, labeling, additives, and dietary supplements in the U.S.
  • oversees compliance with U.S. laws (e.g., Nutrition Facts labeling, GRAS additives)
  • foods and additives used in U.S. agriculture but banned in other countries and vice versa.

Process/Skill Questions:

Thinking

• What is the role of WHO as it relates to the food industry?
• What is the role of Codex as it relates to agriculture?
• How does WHO affect food supply?
• Why are the Codex Alimentarius standards necessary?

Communication

• What role does the U.S. have in WHO?
• What are the consequences of failing to communicate differences between international and U.S. food regulations?

Leadership

• What lessons have WHO, Codex, FAO, and other international agencies learned about hunger?
• What strategies would bring about changes in international and U.S. food regulations?

Management

• How does data obtained from WHO affect the U.S. food supply?
• What actions can individuals take to evaluate the differences between international and U.S. food regulations?