Food safety: implications for community health

ABSTRACT

This communication addresses the issue of food safety and community health. It focusses on health in terms of its contribution to quality of life and to production. Mothers and children are at greatest risk, particularly in developing countries. The role that a community can play in identifying risk factors associated with nutrition, in improving the quality of food intake and in monitoring growth and standards, is illustrated through a brief review of two programmes initiated and piloted through the Department of Social and Preventative Medicine, University of the West Indies - the Backyard Nursery Project and the Community Health Aide Project. The value of backyard gardening is highlighted (AU)