From Farm to Fork, and Beyond: The International Politics of Food Standards

Authors

Julia E. Srnec, Cleveland State UniversityFollow

Abstract

Food safety standards are incredibly politically charged due to how much they can differ between countries and how implementing new standards in a country can impact the economy of those depending on the exports of food products. The political division regarding food safety standards can begin to be understood once the impacts on national and international economics, as well as the consequences of regulations beyond the economy, are considered. Nongovernmental organizations such as the World Health Organization help to mitigate conflict over trade policy disagreements, however some divisions persist.The use of non-tariff barriers on the imports of food-related goods can act as a protectionist tool for nations to both promote their own private sectors and directly impact the economies of other nations. The persistence of discriminatory trade barriers demonstrates how even in an increasingly globalized world countries continue to maintain an economic nationalist stance.

Recommended Citation

Srnec, Julia E.. "From Farm to Fork, and Beyond: The International Politics of Food Standards." The Downtown Review: An Interdisciplinary Journal Written and Peer-Reviewed by Mandel Honors College Students at Cleveland State University. Vol. 12. Iss. 1 (2026) .
Available at: https://engagedscholarship.csuohio.edu/tdr/vol12/iss1/1