The UNEP/FAO/ WHO Food Contamination Monitoring Programme (GEMS/Food) has been collecting data on food contamination through a network of participating institutes since 1976. In 1988, data from the monitoring programme and other sources covering the years 1971—85 were compiled, analysed and published by GEMS as a joint UNEP/FAO/ WHO document Assessment of Chemical Contaminants in Food. Since then, data for 1986—88 have been compiled and made available. GEMS/Food data therefore provide an overview of the nature and extent of food contamination in participating countries during the period 1971-88. |