Conclusion

A number of food control issues are currently being debated at the national and international levels, regarding for example pathogenic microorganisms, allergens, genetically modified foods, contaminants (including pesticides), irradiation and nutrition labelling. These are important and complicated matters that require attention. The control issues are at various stages of resolution and considerable effort will be required to resolve them in a scientific, practical and uniform manner. Industry recognizes that consumers play an active, important role in the food control process through their participation in the standard-setting process and discussions on scientific and technical issues. International bodies such as the Codex Alimentarius Commission can contribute to understanding the issues and to achieving rational standards. The food industry has an essential role in the resolution of these food control issues because of its vested interest in the safety and marketing of foods. Further, because of its extensive scientific and technical resources and experience with these issues, the food industry can make important contributions towards their understanding and resolution. Lastly, for the same reasons, the food industry's communications capabilities can benefit public understanding of the complex nature of the many issues that arise.

Clearly, food control involves many difficult issues. Some of these are highly technical, while others are partly technological and partly political. The mutual goal should be to resolve these questions in a way that takes into account the needs of governments, consumers and industry. For governments, there is the need for enforceable standards that are convincing to both consumers and industry. For consumers, food control systems must provide meaningful protection against real and important hazards. Finally, industry needs standards that permit flexibility and efficiency in producing and marketing foods that will serve their customers - the world's consumers.