Communicating risk to consumers in domestic and internationally traded products

Today, in the twenty first century, the food supply chain is increasingly global in nature and relies on a complex system involving farmers, growers, ingredients suppliers, food processors, food distributors, food importers, and food retailers in many different regions of the world. To achieve safety of food from farm to fork, and to reduce the frequency, impact and severity of foodborne illness outbreaks, there have to be effective working partnerships and cooperation throughout the entire food chain. However, the delivery of safe food depends on the chain’s weakest link, since this is where problems are most likely to occur. This paper addresses the importance of key elements in crisis planning, crisis preparedness and crisis management, which are summarized in key recommendations for effective risk communication during food incidents for all key stakeholders.