New Directions for Tackling Food Safety Risks in the Informal Sector of Developing Countries

The report discusses the significant challenge of enhancing food safety in low- and middle-income countries, particularly within informal food sectors that dominate these regions. It highlights how these countries have historically prioritized aligning their food safety regulations with international standards mainly for export purposes, which has seen some success. However, the focus is shifting toward improving food safety domestically due to its critical implications for public health, consumer trust, and economic development, which are essential for achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The document outlines that despite the progress, food safety interventions in these countries often miss addressing the informal sector, where most food safety breaches and foodborne diseases (FBD) occur due to the high level of fragmentation and informality. This sector's challenges include lack of comprehensive policies, institutional fragmentation, and significant data gaps on food safety hazards.

The report emphasizes that current food safety efforts in these regions are not effectively reaching the informal sector, characterized by small-scale operators and a lack of stringent regulatory enforcement. To overcome these challenges, the paper suggests a more holistic approach that includes enhancing local regulatory capacities, improving awareness and practices among informal food operators, and integrating food safety into broader economic and health policies.