Within the framework of World Food Safety Day 2024, whose motto is “Prepare for the unexpected”, it is essential to review recent data and emerging challenges in food safety in Chile.
World Food Safety Day, established by the UN and WHO on June 7, aims to raise awareness of the importance of food safety around the world. This date highlights the need to prevent, detect and manage food risks, protecting public health and improving global food security.
In our country, recent results published by the Chilean Agency for Food Safety and Quality (Achipia) highlight that between 2018 and 2022, the main threats to food safety in Chile were biological and chemical contaminants. Pathogenic bacteria such as Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes, along with pesticide residues and heavy metals, were the main problems detected in different foods. These findings underline the need to strengthen surveillance and controls throughout the food chain.
In this context, “preparing for the unexpected” implies strengthening monitoring and risk analysis systems, as well as promoting good practices in food production and handling. At INIA Remehue, we have worked with dairy producers over the last few years, especially cheese, helping them overcome their gaps. We have been present in the Atacama region in Vallenar, in the Metropolitan Region with goat cheese producers in Lampa, and with various producers in the regions of Los Ríos and Los Lagos, including Chiloé. In addition, the Agricultural Research Institute (INIA) has collaborated with Achipia in work with vegetable producers in Chiloé, implementing risk assessments, laboratory analyzes and training.
In conclusion, recent results show important advances in risk identification and management, but also highlight critical areas that require immediate attention. Chile must continue to adapt to changes and prepare to face new threats, thus ensuring the protection of its citizens and maintaining high standards of food safety.
Author: Nicolás Pizarro Aránguiz, researcher in the Foods of the Future area at INIA Remehue.
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