Food control system assessment tool: dimension B: control functions

Overview

Dimension B focuses on the processes and the outputs of the national food control system. It revolves around the control functions that must be exercised by competent authorities to ensure food safety and quality along the food chain, and around the mechanisms that should be in place to appropriately manage food safety hazards, emerging risks, and food emergencies. They encompass both inspection or oversight-type functions, in direct relation with food business operators, and monitoring and surveillance functions. Dimension B consists of six competencies under two sub-dimensions which are Routine Control Activities over Food Products, and Monitoring, Surveillance, and Response Functions.

B.1. Routine Control Activities over Food Products reviews the control functions exercised by competent authorities at food business operators’ level, be it domestic, import, or export level to guarantee food safety and quality for national consumers and for sustainable trade.

B.2. Monitoring, Surveillance and Response Functions maps the control functions and mechanisms at the overall food supply level, necessary to identify, monitor, predict and handle food safety hazards and emerging risks and to deal with food emergencies.