국제무역에서 식품안전규제를 위한 국제규범화와 예방원칙에 관한 연구

A Study on the International Legalization and Precautionary Principles for Food Safety Regulation in International Trade

Purpose In this paper, we would like to examine the process of internationalization of precautionary principles under international trade and food safety regulation, analyze the relevant dispute issues, and present the implications of internationalization of precautionary principles. Design/Methodology/Approach Most of the research on literature through prior study and the case of WTO disputes were analyzed. Findings The precautionary principles should be applied according to the objective and comprehensive risk assessment criteria as far as possible by analyzing all available scientific information. Research Implications While it is true that the globalization of the food industry has increased consumers’ appetite for consumption and the level of welfare around the world, precautionary measures for consumer protection, including safety and integrity of imported food, and food regulations should not be abused without reasonable scientific grounds. Therefore, food regulations for consumer protection should be acted on a minimum basis in accordance with precautionary measures to protect the lives and health of its citizens and the principle of proportionality to free trade, and should move forward toward self-regulation that can win consumer confidence, such as consumer and environmental protection certification or clarifications of component labeling systems, rather than strict control and supervision by importing countries. In the era of borderless trade, where globalization is progressing, it is time to harmonize precautionary principles under the SPS Agreement to protect the lives and health of its citizens with the promotion of free trade.