Exploring the International Food Safety Authorities Network as a Community of Practice: Results from a Global Survey ofNetwork Members

What is it about?

The International Food Safety Authorities Network (INFOSAN) is a global network of national food safety authorities from 190 countries, managed jointly by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO), which facilitates the rapid exchange of information during food safety incidents. This study represents the first ever to explore and describe the experiences of INFOSAN members with respect to their participation in network activities to improve global food safety and prevent foodborne diseases and to describe the characteristics of INFOSAN as a community of practice. The results from a global survey of members suggest that INFOSAN is a valued tool, utilized globally to reduce the burden of foodborne illness and save lives. The INFOSAN Secretariat could utilize the results to prioritize future activities to further strengthen the network and support participation of members.

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