7/4

This volume identifies the interactions that must take place for the system to regularly adjust to national and international stakeholders' evolving needs, to inspire stakeholders' confidence and to keep them well informed about their responsibilities. It focuses on the transparency of communication to consumers and food business operators and their integration into the food control system. The FAO/WHO Food Control System Assessment Tool provides a harmonized, objective and consensual basis for analysing the performance of a national food control system, with the aim of protecting the health of consumers and ensuring fair practices in the food trade. It seeks to support countries in identifying and prioritizing areas of improvement and planning activities to reach expected outcomes and monitor progress. The Tool is based on Codex principles and Guidelines for National Food Control Systems as well as other relevant Codex guidance.