The Food-borne diseases (FBDs) constitute a serious problem for the health of the population. Every day, cases of people who get diseases are reported due to the consumption of food contaminated by microorganisms and / or toxic chemicals, which can even cause death. These represent a serious threat to health, mainly affecting children under 5 years of age, pregnant women, immunosuppressed and elderly people.
The Pan American Center for Foot-and-Mouth Disease and Veterinary Public Health (PANAFTOSA/SPV-PAHO/WHO) of PAHO supports the countries of the Region of the Americas and the Caribbean to improve their food control systems through technical-scientific cooperation based on international food standards (Codex Alimentarius and International Health Regulations). PANAFTOSA/SPV-PAHO/WHO encourages the exchange of experiences and information among countries of the Region to improve surveillance systems for foodborne diseases and promotes integrated work among the different actors involved in the food production chain, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Commerce and private sector.
Our mission is to provide technical cooperation to all the countries of the Americas and the Caribbean to strengthen food control systems to prevent food hazards along the food value chain and reduce foodborne illnesses.
Our vision is to be a reference center for solving food safety and quality problems for the countries, through innovative technical cooperation with a high level of expertise, driven by the values of commitment, ethics and innovation.
