An increasingly interconnected global food supply means that risks posed by unsafe food have the potential to rapidly evolve from a local problem to an international emergency. Ensuring food safety is an essential component for achieving global health security and national food safety authorities must be able to share information quickly and efficiently worldwide. 

Since its creation in 2004, the FAO/WHO International Food Safety Authorities Network (INFOSAN) has facilitated the rapid exchange of information across borders and between members, during hundreds of food safety events.

As a member-driven, global network, INFOSAN is a practical, effective and efficient tool for information exchange, allowing for the implementation of risk management measures to prevent foodborne illness and save lives. 

All INFOSAN Members are encouraged to:

• Report urgent food safety events of potential international significance to the INFOSAN Secretariat;
• Respond to information requests from the INFOSAN Secretariat during the verification and assessment of events by providing all necessary information;
• Request international assistance through the INFOSAN Secretariat to respond to food safety events as necessary;
• Take action on INFOSAN Alerts and disseminate information accordingly;
• Collaborate with their respective National IHR Focal Point on food safety events; and
• Share experiences and best practices related to food safety emergency management, so that all
members can learn from one another.