| This research has developed a fundamental understanding of the key constraints to a harmonized food system, the mechanisms used to solve food safety problems, and the resources available in the Asia Pacific region and the United States.; The Delphi Method proved effective to generate interaction from an international panel of participants who lived in both developed and developing countries, across many time zones, and with multiple cultural and work related differences.; As a result of this study the participants identified 15 key constraints to a harmonized food safety system in the Asia Pacific region and the United States, elaborated on 23 mechanisms used to solve food safety problems and identified 30 food safety resources. The key findings developed and agreed to by the participants regarding key constraints include: inadequate knowledge of food safety in developing countries; difficulty in understanding and complying with international food safety standards; differences in culture, including food habits, agricultural practices, Islamic food laws; political and economic concerns before public health; difference in type of businesses-mechanized vs. small operations, and the U.S. has a highly sophisticated infrastructure, therefore difficult for many countries in the Asia Pacific region to meet U.S. requirements.; Comments from the participants provide a roadmap for developing and instituting mechanisms required in solving food safety problems in both developed and developing countries. Those recommendations unanimously agreed to by all of the participants are: (1) Risk analysis training is needed to ensure a systematic approach to science-based decision making, (2) Review and adjust inspection systems, based on science, using methods that are consistent to the international community, (3) Involve stakeholder participation, include building partnerships, (4) Validated risk communication research is needed, (5) Utilize relevant expertise from universities, professional groups, trade groups, and food safety writers when developing food safety systems, (6) When developing food safety policy, risk assessments are followed by risk management actions, and (7) There is a need to educate/train all stakeholders (farmers, consumers, producers, media, and regulators) in a clear and consistent manner. Findings from this research will assist in developing policy, identify quality control issues, developing training needs and program implementation. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)... |
