Sustainability and its Importance for Food Safety

Food safety and sustainability share the common goal of protecting the health and wealth of present and future generations. The connection is so integral such that, in its “Our Common Future” report, the World Commission on Environment and Development defined sustainability as based on “a development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” As such, sustainable practices must not negatively affect food safety or public health. To ensure this, it is important to look at all contributing systems and outcomes.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

On 25 September 2015, the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Summit was held at the UN headquarters in New York. 193 UN member states officially adopted 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These SDGs set out the global goals for challenges we face, including those related to poverty, inequality, climate, environmental degradation, prosperity, and peace and justice.

Food safety is directly and indirectly linked to achieving many of the SDGs, especially those related to ending hunger and poverty, and promoting good health and well-being. Changes in the consumption of food products in the global market have also created new safety challenges. Recent trends are putting more pressure on agriculture, production, and supply chains to ensure that the food produced to meet this growing demand is safe. The safety of food is vital for a growing and more prosperous world population, for the modernization of national food systems, and for a country’s efficient integration into regional and international markets.

Food Supply Chain Safety and Sustainability

Food safety is affected by the improper handling, preparation and storage of food. Food safety issues lead to recalls and food waste worth millions of dollars. About 75% of all food waste ends up in landfills, 18% is combusted with energy recovery and only 6% is composted.

These and other factors make sustainability a critical component for food safety. The food supply chain is vulnerable to both safety and sustainability risks. At each stage of the supply chain (production, processing, retail and disposal), all stakeholders can contribute towards improving both food safety and sustainability.

Here is how some SDGs influence food safety:

SDG 1: No Poverty

Foodborne disease (FBD) is a major cause of ill-health among the poor and is associated with a range of costs, including lost workdays, out-of-pocket expenses, and reduced value of

livestock and other assets. To combat this, Cotecna uses its global network of laboratories to help clients detect contaminations, comply with regulatory requirements, or go beyond and identify traces at low levels of detection. Some of our Plant Health laboratories, for example Agronomica in Brazil and Fitosoil in Spain, offer end-to-end services. These range from phytopathology, soil/water analysis, to contaminants, fertilizers and bio stimulant expertise used to monitor the development of the plant, promoting resourceful and optimized production.

SDG 3: Good Health & Well-Being

Pests carry a wide range of bacteria, viruses, and parasites, posing a significant risk to food safety. For instance, the UN believes that rats currently destroy more than 42m tons of food ($30BN) a year. To facilitate good health and well-being, Cotecna offers certification for food safety management systems. These systems ensure that the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) for food safety are well documented, implemented and monitored in the different stages of the food supply chain. As well as certification for food products’ compliance to national and international food safety schemes.

SDG 6: Clean Water & Sanitation

Water uses like cleaning and sanitation are increasingly attracting attention. Water will always be one of the most critical elements for cleaning. The lack of clean water increases the risk of food being unsafe as infectious FBDs can be transmitted via water. In addition, unwise use of chemicals in food production can pollute water sources. Environmental, chemical and microbiological testing in laboratories using internationally approved testing methods is proven to help improve water quality. To manage and prevent exposure to contaminated water, Cotecna collects samples and tests the water quality to determine usability.

SDG 14: Life Below Water

Our drinking water, weather, coastlines, much of our food and even the oxygen in the air we breathe is ultimately provided and regulated by the ocean. Oceans are also home to an extraordinary variety of life. Much of this life is essential for sustaining the livelihood and food security of millions that rely on fish as their primary source of protein. The stakes are high when we consider how intrinsically linked the health of our oceans is to our environmental, social and economic wellbeing. Cotecna provides a series of tests and certification schemes like aquacultural organic certification for aquatic products to ensure their sustainability and safety.

In conclusion, food safety and sustainability work together to meets their individual goals. As such, without harmonized policies it is almost impossible to attain food safety and the set SDGs. To facilitate this, Cotecna provides solutions that make supply chains safer and more efficient for our clients. Our network of experts includes 140 offices and laboratories across more than 50 countries worldwide. Our technical expertise combined with the superior quality of our services and our ability to anticipate our clients’ needs is what sets us apart.

To learn more about our Sustainability and Food Safety services, please contact us.