Title
Food safety in Peru: A review of fresh produce production and challenges in the public health system
Date Issued
01 November 2020
Access level
open access
Resource Type
journal article
Publisher(s)
Blackwell Publishing Inc.
Abstract
Peru has a commodities-based economy where agriculture plays an essential role in the nation's development. Among agricultural products, fruits and vegetables are foundational to Peruvian culture and a healthy and nutritious diet. Produce is also the primary income source for thousands of small-scale farmers and producers throughout the country. Peru has significant potential to export agricultural and value-added products. Nevertheless, the Peruvian food chain has weak food safety and quality standards, limiting access to international markets. The inherent lack of food safety surveillance and management systems negatively affects public health. In the past decade, fresh and raw produce has been associated with several foodborne outbreaks worldwide, resulting in significant health and economic losses. This alarming situation for public health officials and regulators has called for the strengthening of produce safety standards and food safety risk management for safer food and to reduce the incidence of foodborne illnesses. This review summarizes the current status of produce safety in Peru and explores opportunities (e.g., policy, university capacity development) toward a safer food system.
Start page
3323
End page
3342
Volume
19
Issue
6
Language
English
OCDE Knowledge area
Alimentos y bebidas Salud pública, Salud ambiental
Scopus EID
2-s2.0-85093841682
PubMed ID
Source
Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety
ISSN of the container
15414337
Sources of information: Directorio de Producción Científica Scopus