ABSTRACT
The consumer is always at the center stage whenever the issue of food safety is handled. The safety, health, and welfare of the consumer are paramount whenever any regulations or legislations are enacted. The safety and wholesomeness of food has always been important for humankind. Given the intimate relationship between human health and food, the resolve to keep it protected has given rise to a situation that ensures that food has never been safer than it is today. Yet, food safety is an increasingly important global issue. This is not solely due to a rise in the number of reported food safety events, but it is also due to increased consumer awareness, increased globalization, and the complexity of the food chain. Trade of food and agricultural products around the world continues to increase, with worldwide food and agricultural exports more than doubling from $400 billion in 2000 to $900 billion in 2007. This growth in international trade has meant that food safety hazards that may have previously been confined to a relatively small area can now disseminate with ease across countries and continents. Accordingly, reacting to food safety events in isolation and after their occurrence is inadequate. Anticipation, prevention, and timely action should be the principal means to counter food safety threats (FAO, 2010). Consumers have many considerations, like quality and taste, but the ultimate concern still remains the safety of the food. Because consumers have different and sometimes conflicting interests in relation to food, there is a need to balance those conflicting interests. The focus is on three main themes that need to be addressed and balanced to get the best overall outcomes for consumers (FSA, 2015):
The right to be protected from unacceptable levels of risk
The right to make choices knowing the facts
The right to the best food future possible
From a national perspective, it is imperative that governments create an environment that facilitates the safety of their citizens. Governments have a responsibility and duty to protect their citizens and ensure that they are able to get safe food and stay healthy. In furtherance to this responsibility, every government has enacted legislation and regulations in food safety. These serve four main purposes:To protect human health
To ensure that food placed in the market is safe
To safeguard consumers against deception
To ensure the public receives accurate information
