GEMS Environment Library No. 05: The Contamination of Food
The UNEP/FAO/ WHO Food Contamination Monitoring Programme (GEMS/Food) has been collecting data on food contamination through a network of participating institutes since 1976. In 1988, data from the monitoring programme and other sources covering the years 1971—85 were compiled, analysed and published by GEMS as a joint UNEP/FAO/ WHO document Assessment of Chemical Contaminants in Food. Since then, data for 1986—88 have been compiled and made available. GEMS/Food data therefore provide an overview of the nature and extent of food contamination in participating countries during the period 1971-88.
The data revealed local instances of high levels of chemical contaminants in food in developed countries, generally caused by the contamination of air, water and the soil by industrial emissions of chemicals and metals. Though this is a cause for concern, the data suggested that the problem is more widespread and acute in developing countries, where fewer regulations govern industrial and agricultural practices.GEMS/Food, as well as highlighting the dangers of food contamination, also shows the way forward. The results indicate that food contamination can be effectively reduced through environmental pollution controls. For example, measures in developed countries to limit industrial and vehicle exhaust emissions have helped reduce lead and mercury levels in food; and regulations restricting the use of pesticides and agricultural chemicals have also reduced food contamination.The GEMS/Food monitoring programme aims not only to protect public health, but to promote confidence in the purity of foodstuffs through international information exchange on food contamination, and thus encourage international food trade. There is a need for continued vigilance 'through national and international monitoring programmes' to ensure that preventative regulations are being effectively implemented and that any safe levels established for contaminants in food are not exceeded.GEMS/Food will adapt and incorporate additional contaminants into the monitoring programme in the future as the nature and sources of food contamination change. GEMS is also working to establish monitoring programmes in developing countries and in Eastern Europe where data suggest that food contamination is prevalent.
The data revealed local instances of high levels of chemical contaminants in food in developed countries, generally caused by the contamination of air, water and the soil by industrial emissions of chemicals and metals. Though this is a cause for concern, the data suggested that the problem is more widespread and acute in developing countries, where fewer regulations govern industrial and agricultural practices.GEMS/Food, as well as highlighting the dangers of food contamination, also shows the way forward. The results indicate that food contamination can be effectively reduced through environmental pollution controls. For example, measures in developed countries to limit industrial and vehicle exhaust emissions have helped reduce lead and mercury levels in food; and regulations restricting the use of pesticides and agricultural chemicals have also reduced food contamination.The GEMS/Food monitoring programme aims not only to protect public health, but to promote confidence in the purity of foodstuffs through international information exchange on food contamination, and thus encourage international food trade. There is a need for continued vigilance 'through national and international monitoring programmes' to ensure that preventative regulations are being effectively implemented and that any safe levels established for contaminants in food are not exceeded.GEMS/Food will adapt and incorporate additional contaminants into the monitoring programme in the future as the nature and sources of food contamination change. GEMS is also working to establish monitoring programmes in developing countries and in Eastern Europe where data suggest that food contamination is prevalent.
- Price:
- USD $10.00
- Launch:
- 1992
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