Food safety is of paramount importance at Mars. As a global food manufacturer, Mars believes they have a responsibility to act. First, to ensure that the food Mars produces is safe and high quality to help protect people, pets, and the planet. Second, to raise the bar in food safety by identifying and tackling risks that impact society at large. Everyone should have access to safe food and it’s why Mars is expanding its partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to further strengthen food safety.

Dr. Abigail Stevenson, chief science officer for Mars, and Maximo Torero, FAO’s chief-economist, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote better understanding and application of Codex Alimentarius international food safety standards. The parties have committed to work on enhancing mycotoxin management in maize value chains through modeling approaches and strengthen information-sharing on emerging food safety threats.

Through the agreement Mars will exchange knowledge and information to support science-based decision-making on food safety. The MoU lays out plans for Mars and FAO to cooperate for developing guidance for increased uptake of the Codex standards and codes of practices by the private sector, for instance, regarding Food Allergen Management by food operators, and identification of best practices for mycotoxin control and mitigation in maize value chains. Mars and FAO will continue to collaborate on the analysis and discussion of emerging food safety issues, new methods and technologies and new trends in research and development that might have impacts on food safety.

Dr. Stevenson said, “At Mars we believe everyone has the right to safe food and that collaboration is essential as we work together to address food safety challenges. This is why we are delighted to extend the strategic global partnership, initiated in 2015, with the FAO to continue working together on food safety initiatives. This is a great opportunity to share our technical knowledge and scientific expertise in mycotoxin management and develop scientific publications which help to ensure safe food for all.”

FAO chief economist Maximo Torero added, “Strong science to support food safety decisions and strong public-private cooperation for food safety are increasingly important to ensure sustainable and resilient agrifood systems. FAO and Mars will continue to collaborate to build on work that’s already been done and demonstrate impact and concrete results.”

Mars and FAO share common objectives with regards to strengthening food safety to enhance food security through capacity building, sharing knowledge and information and development of innovative, science-based approaches. Our partnership with the FAO started almost a decade ago and by extending our cooperation, we are helping to raise the bar in food safety for everyone.