Warunki bezpieczeństwa żywnościowego Polski (ze szczególnym uwzględnieniem województwa podlaskiego)

Purpose – The article aims to define main tendencies concerning the structure of food safety within the economy of Poland with special consideration of the Podlasie Voivodeship.Research method – The analysis was conducted on the basis of data obtained from the Central Statistical Office of Poland (GUS), the State Sanitary Inspectorate, the Office of the Chief Inspector of Food and Agricultural Products as well as the study of literature related to the issue being considered.Results – The analysis established that on account of decreasing levels of population and the growing capabilities for food production its physical availability is not threatened. The Podlasie Voivodeships plays a significant role in food production. The condition of economic availability of food both nationally as well as in the Podlasie Voivodeship has not been met. Health related quality of agriculturally produced food is varied and does not display a steady tendency for improvement which requires appropriate institutions to remain vigilant in monitoring it. The last several years have seen a rise in the number of food fraud cases. The tendencies concerning food safety presented in the article prove that the subject remains important and valid. Despite the lack of a clear threat to the level of that safety in Poland, it must be remembered that this situation is not stable or unchangeable, a condition which also concerns the future.