What Is Food Security?

Americans have developed an awareness of security issues since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 and the anthrax mailings that followed. Food producers, government agencies and lawmakers are expressing concern that certain food products could be vulnerable. This concern has given rise to a new meaning for food security.

Food Security Focuses on Prevention

Until recently, food security was considered to be "adequate economic and physical access to food resources in order to meet dietary needs." Today, food security is the name given to the initiative focused on protecting the food we consume.

Food security involves protection of food from the intentional and premeditated contamination of food products. Food security incidents are no accident. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) such incidents would include tampering, criminal acts and terrorist acts. They are malicious and deliberate attempts to harm others physically, financially, or psychologically through the food they eat.

The threats or methods of attack may be diverse, but the purpose of a threat or attack is singularly intended to be an adverse effect on our society. Effective food security involves protection of any vulnerable link in the food chain that could be a potential target.

A Food Security Plan

A critical step to implement effective food security is to develop a food security plan. The plan should be designed to prevent or respond to food security incidents that could occur at food production facilities. Currently, it is up to the food industry to develop their own food security plans. Food producers, food associations, and the government are unified in the desire to develop a food security system for preserving the security and safety of our food supply. The food security system incorporates a three-pronged approach: preparedness, prevention, and response.

Prepare, Prevent, Respond

Preparedness involves performing a risk assessment. Risk assessment is the essential first step in developing an effective security plan. Determining where the greatest risks are and allocating resources appropriately to mitigate those risks will greatly improve the chances of preventing an incident. A complete plan includes a comprehensive guide for response. Successful response actions will reduce much of the potential damage in the event that an incident was unable to be prevented.

Creating and implementing a food security plan might seem like a daunting task. However, having a successfully implemented security plan in place will prepare facilities to prevent and respond to both intentional and unintentional contamination quickly and effectively.

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