The Commission has launched the initiative "Better Training for Safer Food" with the aim of developing training activities in the EU and, in particular, in third countries. The objectives of the programme are 1) to foster a better understanding of the food standards and import procedures required by the EU, and 2) to help third countries, especially developing countries, to meet these requirements. Concrete activities within the Better Training for Safer Food initiative began in 2006.

The benefits of providing such training to third country officials are numerous. It will help remove some of the obstacles that third country exporters currently encounter due to insufficient knowledge of EU rules and regulation, and thus allow them to ensure that their products reach the EU market. Better compliance will also result in the reduction of unfair competition for these countries and will lead to safer food and greater protection for consumers both locally and abroad. This is of key importance for many developing countries that rely heavily on food exports.