FAO’s Food Quality and Standards Service (AGNS) is committed to the enhancement of food safety and quality along the food chain at international, regional and national levels, with the aim of protecting consumers and promoting the production and trade of safe, quality food. This is done by: establishing and improving national regulatory frameworks, in particular those of the Codex Alimentarius; supplying technical advice and expertise for the development of integrated food control systems; providing independent scientific advice, risk assessments and related guidance concerning food safety to the Codex Alimentarius and Governments; developing guidelines and tools on food safety risk assessment; assisting in emergency or crisis situations through the provision of food safety guidance.