Food allergy and intolerance: an international chemical safety perspective

Chemical safety is concerned with the assessment of human health (and environmental) risks and their management. The safety of chemicals in food, present as normal constituents, intentional additives, contaminants or residues is part of chemical safety. Morbidity and mortality due to allergenic chemicals and allergic hypersensitization are being addressed on a global basis. As part of this, international efforts are being made to establish the prevalence of respiratory and dermal allergies in all countries and it is timely to extend this to food allergies. A number of international organizations are involved in the assessment of chemical risk and risk management. Information exchange is a vital part of these processes. The International Programme on Chemical Safety is an example of a cooperative programme of three organizations with close links and coordination with other bodies and organizations concerned with safe and sustainable use of chemicals.