The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and World Health Organization (WHO) have released a summary report following the Ad hoc Expert Meeting on Water Quality in Agrifood Systems and Food Safety Implications, held in Rome in May. The meeting brought together 11 international experts and FAO/WHO staff to finalise a background document prioritising food safety issues related to chemical water quality.
Amid growing use of alternative water sources in agriculture, experts raised concerns about harmful chemical contaminants entering the food chain. Using a global framework, the group identified high-priority substances – including arsenic, lead, cadmium, fluoride, microcystins, and PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances – or ‘forever chemicals’) – based on dietary exposure risks.
The report highlights gaps in monitoring, regulation and standardised assessment methods. Participants urged enhanced cross-sector collaboration under a ‘One Health’ approach, alongside improved guidance, research and capacity building to better manage chemical risks in agrifood water systems.
