GLOBAL FOOD-SAFETY PLAN UPDATED

WASHINGTON -- The Global Food Safety Initiative, a network of more than 30 food-safety experts from retail companies and their trade associations worldwide, has announced an update of its strategic work plan to develop criteria for global food safety standards. According to officials, the Initiative's Food Safety Task Force, coordinated by CIES -- The Food Business Forum, is charged with the development of the work plan. It is partnering with leading international trade associations, including the Food Marketing Institute here; the British Retail Consortium, London; and AGWest, Australia. The panel will develop standards to enhance retailers' roles in food safety, ensure consumer protections, maintain consumer confidence and position retailers at the forefront of communication on food-safety issues.

ide retailers with timely and accurate information about food-safety crises and events globally; establish contacts with international government authorities to strengthen relationships and the sharing of critical information and food-safety data; and develop a universally recognized consumer-education program.