This ASEAN Food Safety Policy serves as an overarching regional policy framework to support a safe, integrated food market within the ASEAN Economic Community. It aims to protect consumer health, ensure fair trade practices, and facilitate the free movement of safe food products across Member States. The Policy adopts a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach covering the entire food chain and aligns with regional integration objectives and international trade commitments, including WTO SPS and TBT agreements. The Policy sets objectives, scope, and ten core principles guiding food safety systems in ASEAN. These include an integrated “farm-to-table” approach, risk analysis and science-based decision-making, primary responsibility of food business operators, harmonisation with international standards, mutual recognition, traceability, and transparency. It also promotes strengthening national food control systems, regional cooperation, rapid alert mechanisms, and capacity building. The policy provides guidance for coordinated implementation by ASEAN bodies and Member States, supporting consistent regulatory frameworks and continuous improvement of food safety governance.
2016-05-01