Sanitation and Hygiene Deficiences As Contributing Factors in Contamination of Imported Foods

Imports of agricultural products into the United States represent a significant share of many foods consumed in the United States today. Inadequacy and problems of sanitation and hygiene deficiencies in exporting countries can lead to contamination in imported foods and pose a food safety risk. We focus on the sanitation and hygiene deficiencies in imported food. Generally, these problems are more prominent in developing countries where food quality control is relatively poorer than industrialized countries. We present evidence on food safety problems from imports and cases related to hygiene and sanitation issues in exporting countries. Evidence on food safety activities in food production, especially in developing countries, suggests the challenges and potential approaches for developing safe food supply chains.