The paper attempts to draw the attention of public health authorities
to the importance of food safety for health and development. The paper
depicts the intersectoral and interdisciplinary nature of the subject
, and presents the concept of shared responsibility promoted by the Wo
rld Health Organization. Accordingly, in order to ensure food safety,
a concerted effort is needed on the part of all sectors concerned, i.e
., governments, industry and trade, and consumers. The role of each se
ctor is briefly described.