The WHO Alliance for Food Safety is a network of WHO Collaborating Centres (WHO-CCs) and other partners to collaborate, share knowledge and coordinate efforts on matters related to the implementation of the WHO Global Strategy for Food Safety 2022-2030, in particular, related to foodborne disease surveillance and food contamination monitoring.
Main objectives include:
The WHO Alliance for Food Safety held its 2026 Annual General Meeting virtually on 5 August, bringing together 55 participants from 28 institutions in 23 countries. Members reviewed progress, showcased their work and expertise, and discussed priorities and working arrangements for the Alliance’s next phase.
The WHO food safety roadmap development tool supports countries in analysing food safety systems, identifying priorities, and developing national roadmaps to implement the WHO Global Strategy for Food Safety 2022–2030. It promotes multisectoral collaboration and helps translate strategy into practical actions.
Have you read the WHO manuals on strengthening surveillance of and response to foodborne diseases? These manuals describe how countries can strengthen their current foodborne disease surveillance and response activities and integrate them into existing national surveillance and response systems required by the International Health Regulations (IHR).
The WHO Alliance for Food Safety held its first Annual General Meeting in Muscat, Oman, hosted by the Food Safety and Quality Centre. Members and partners from all regions gathered to share experiences, explore innovations, and plan the next phase of collaborative work to implement the WHO Global Strategy for Food Safety.
Did you know that foodborne disease surveillance is about so much more than simply counting cases? It’s the foundation for protecting public health, identifying risks, and driving policy changes to keep food safe.
On World Food Safety Day, the WHO Alliance for Food Safety reaffirms its commitment to advancing safer food systems worldwide and supporting the leadership of the World Health Organization in protecting public health.
Joining the WHO Alliance for Food Safety connects you with a global network of experts, amplifies your organization's visibility, and provides opportunities to influence food safety policies and advocacy efforts. Members collaborate on strengthening food safety systems, share knowledge, and gain recognition for their contributions.
WHO departments and offices; WHO Collaborating Centres; Government institutions with a mandate for public health, food safety, animal health or environmental health; United Nations organizations; Intergovernmental organizations; Nongovernmental organizations; Academic institutions; Philanthropic foundations.
To be eligible for membership in the WHO Alliance for Food Safety, entities must contribute to the advancement of public health or food safety and align with the objectives, vision, and goals of the Alliance. They should have at least 3 years of proven experience working internationally in the field of food safety or foodborne disease surveillance. Entities must also have an established structure, a constitutive act, and accountability mechanisms.
Members should support the purpose, goals, objectives, guiding principles, work, and activities of the Alliance, and attend and actively participate in the Annual General Meetings, working group meetings to which they are members, and any other relevant ad hoc meetings, acting in the best interest of public health and in alignment with WHO policies.
The membership application process is open and interested entities can apply throughout the year. Applications will be reviewed by the secretariat in accordance with the required due diligence process. New member orientation webinars will be organized as needed.
The terms of reference (TORs) outline the Alliance's purpose, objectives, governance structure, membership criteria, roles, responsibilities, and operational procedures. They provide clarity on expectations, participation requirements, decision-making processes, and accountability mechanisms to ensure effective collaboration and alignment with WHO policies.
Are you sharing Alliance-related content through your social media networks? Consider adding the following #hashtags:
#FoodSafetyAlliance
#WHOGSFS2030
#WorldFoodSafetyDay
