AN OVERVIEW OF CURRENT INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND BASIC FOOD SAFETY PRINCIPLES

This paper examines the conceptual, institutional, and historical foundations of international trade to better understand its impact on food security in the current global context. The analysis expands significantly on economic theories, historical developments, legal frameworks, and technical-scientific progress as reflected in institutional practices and official documents. It highlights the evolution from classical economic treatises (Ricardo, Smith, Marshall) to modern regulatory and trade frameworks (e.g., WTO, GATT rounds). Despite advancements in trade liberalization and international cooperation, global food security remains an unresolved challenge. The study suggests that while international trade can foster greater food availability, the uneven distribution of gains and regulatory asymmetries continue to undermine equitable access. Therefore, food security remains a matter under debate, situated at the intersection of economic policy, institutional action, and scientific development, and far from being an exact science.