In order to define priorities and develop a harmonized approach to address regional issues related to food safety, it had been necessary to conduct a baseline assessment, which then will be used to programming interventions related to improve the structures (trade, health, on-farm production) relevant to food safety in the respective Central Asian countries.
The study thus reviewed the current situation with respect to food safety, focusing on food borne diseases, domestic, transboundary and international trade aspects, and identified critical gaps in enhancing food safety in the region (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan) including review of the existing regional coordination of national structures and approaches in the food safety area and the promotion of agri-food supply chains. Based on the outcome a draft regional action plan for food safety and food-borne diseases, focusing on domestic, transboundary and international trade aspects, and nutritional risks especially in women and children had been prepared.