Last night in the program "global economy with Jose

Rivera", the experts Yerinson Gonzales and Luis Pino

spoke about: The Agreement on the Application of

Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (the "SPS

Agreement").

The SPS agreement covers the following measures:

Human or animal health from food-borne risks

Human health from animal- or plant-carried diseases

Animals and plants from pests or diseases

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Experts talk about The Agreement on the Application of

Sanitary and Phytosanitary

Measures

During the program experts answer all

questions asked by the presenter on this

controversial agreement that is part of the

World Trade Organization. In this article we

will show a summary of the most important

aspects of the interview:

Presenter: What is the SPS?

Yerinson Gonzalez: “The Agreement on the

Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary

Measures sets out the basic rules for food

safety and animal and plant health standards”

Presenter: Who benefits from the

implementation of the SPS Agreement? Luis Pino: “Well, Consumers in all

countries benefit. The SPS Agreement helps

ensure, and in many cases enhances, the

safety of their food as it encourages the

systematic use of scientific information in

this regard, thus reducing the scope for

arbitrary and unjustified decisions.”

Right: Jose Rivera,Center: Yerinson Gonzales,

Left: Luis Pino

Does the SPS Agreement require countries to give priority to

trade over food safety, or animal and plant health? No, the SPS Agreement allows countries to give food safety,

animal and plant health priority over trade, provided there is a

demonstrable scientific basis for their food safety and health

requirement.

When arises this agreement?

The SPS Agreement entered into force with the establishment of

the World Trade Organization on 1 January 1995. It concerns the

application of food safety and animal and plant health

regulations.

Why is necessary this agreement?

The SPS Agreement, while permitting governments to maintain

appropriate sanitary and Phytosanitary protection, reduces

possible arbitrariness of decisions and encourages consistent

decision-making.