Social and Economic Impact Assessment of Food Safety Projects under the RCA

This report evaluates the social and economic impacts of food safety programmes implemented from 2020 to 2024, supported by the IAEA under the Regional Cooperative Agreement for Research, Development and Training related to Nuclear Science and Technology for Asia and the Pacific (RCA). It is one of four thematic assessments examining the application of nuclear science and technology in air quality monitoring, food safety, isotope hydrology and nuclear medicine. Drawing on evidence from 19 participating State Parties, IAEA administrative data, expert analysis, five success case stories and a comprehensive cost-benefit assessment, the report illustrates how technical cooperation in food safety has advanced sustainable development across Asia and the Pacific. This publication highlights the achievements of the regional collaboration, delivering results that exceed what individual countries could achieve alone. It offers a compelling demonstration of science in action, advancing health and environmental and economic benefits through the peaceful application of nuclear science and technologies under RCA programmes.