Rethink Food Security and Nutrition Following Covid-19 Pandemic

By Jomo Kwame Sundaram and Wan Manan MudaKUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Jul 2 2020 (IPS) The Covid-19 crisis has had several unexpected effects, including renewed attention to food security concerns. Earlier understandings of food security in terms of production self-sufficiency have given way to importing supplies since late 20th century promotion of trade liberalization. Jomo Kwame SundaramTransnational food business Disruption of transnational food supply chains and the devastation of many vulnerable livelihoods by policy responses to the Covid-19 pandemic have revived interest in earlier understandings of food self-sufficiency. But, even if successful, winding back policy will not address more recently recognized food challenges such as malnutrition and safety. All too many food researchers have been successfully compromised, e.g., with generous research and travel funding, by food and beverage businesses to discourage criticisms of their lucrative business practices. It is important for authorities to make sure that food is produced safely for consumers. The authorities should not only be concerned when food exports are blocked by foreign importers for failing to meet phyto-sanitary standards. Is food safe for consumption? Are toxic agro-chemicals putting consumers at risk? Are anti-biotics, used for animal breeding, putting animal and human health at risk of antimicrobial resistance? Are food processing practices compromising consumers’ nutrition? Malnutrition threat loom...
Source: IPS Inter Press Service - Health - Category: International Medicine & Public Health Authors: Tags: Development & Aid Economy & Trade Food Security and Nutrition Food Sustainability Global Headlines Health Humanitarian Emergencies Poverty & SDGs TerraViva United Nations Source Type: news