Food Safety Governance and Equity: Assessing the Distribution of Risks and Benefits

Background: Ensuring food safety while promoting equity remains a critical challenge in global food governance. Vulnerabilities within marginalized communities often lead to unequal distribution of food safety risks and benefits, raising concerns about social justice and public health. Methods and Materials: This systematic review synthesizes existing literature on food safety governance and equity, focusing on the roles of international organizations such as the WHO, and exploring vulnerabilities across different social groups. The review includes peer-reviewed articles, policy reports, and case studies that address risk distribution, governance frameworks, and interventions aimed at reducing disparities in food safety. Result: Food safety governance structures often exhibit inequities, with vulnerable populations, including low-income communities, racial/ethnic minorities, and marginalized groups, facing disproportionately higher food-borne illness risks due to factors such as limited access to safe food sources, inadequate food handling practices, and weaker enforcement of food safety standards in their communities. Simultaneously, these groups may experience fewer benefits from food safety interventions, such as limited access to food safety education or economic opportunities within the food industry. Governance processes that lack transparency, community engagement, and accountability further exacerbate these disparities. Conclusion: Achieving equitable food safety governance requires a comprehensive approach that integrates risk assessment, social justice, and community engagement. Policy interventions should prioritize vulnerable populations to bridge existing gaps and foster a more just and resilient food supply chain.

کلیدواژه ها:

Food Safety Governance ، Equity ، Vulnerable Communities ، Social Justice ، Risk Distribution ، Food Supply Chain