The U.S. has launched a US$1 million global food safety fund to provide training to enhance international trade and security.

Economic, business and agricultural affairs minister Robert Hormats, announced the new fund at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting in Honolulu.

Robert Hormats

"These programs will enable more growers, producers, and food safety officials to understand and utilize preventive controls – resulting in safer food for consumers and fewer safety incidents in food trade," the state department said in an offical release.

The fund is aimed at supporting the U.S.'s global hunger and food security initiative and will be run by the World Bank.

Mars Incorporated and Waters Corporation have contributed towards the iniative as well as the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

The fund will take forward an early agreement in May by APEC countries to improve food safety competencies, laboratory proficiency, and risk-based management systems.

U.S. trade representative Ron Kirk described the project as strengthening the global food supply chain.

The fund aims to expand its work worldwide by raising at least US$15 million during the next 10 years.

Photo: US State Department

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