Food and agriculture sectors

The Food and agriculture industry produce a large range of primary agricultural products and processed foods contributing to feeding most of the world population. Some large multinationals play a major role in the production and distribution of food worldwide, employing millions of staff and ensuring a steady food supply. WHO is providing advice and updated information on COVID-19 for the food industry and national authorities on the risk associated with producing and handling food and how to protect workers in the food industry and at retail in order to maintain food supplies.

Guidance

COVID-19 and Food Safety: Guidance for food businesses

  • COVID-19 and Food Safety: Guidance for competent authorities responsible for national food safety control systems

COVID-19 and the measures taken to mitigate the global impact of the pandemic have disrupted food production and food supply chains worldwide. However, ensuring a continuous and safe food supply is a critical issue for the health of all people, everywhere. This guidance document provides advice and recommendations for national food safety authorities to optimize food control functions and prioritize critical services that preserve the integrity of food safety systems.

- Access the document 

  • WHO recommendations to reduce risk of transmission of emerging pathogens from animals to humans in live animal markets or animal product markets (26 March 2020) 

     - Access more information  

Infographics

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Publications

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As observed in recent large-scale outbreaks, health facilities (HFs) with limited or no infection prevention and control (IPC) capacities can amplify emerging...

Strategic plan for coronavirus disease threat management: advancing integration, sustainability, and equity, 2025–2030

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Tailoring event-based surveillance using open sources: practical guide for mass gatherings

Public health intelligence (PHI) is key to early warning alert and response (EWAR), and is vital in protecting the health of the populations in the context...

Therapeutics and COVID-19: living guideline, August 2025

The WHO Therapeutics and COVID-19: living guideline contains recommendations for the use of therapeutics in the treatment of COVID-19. It is...

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