Food production differs between the developed and developing world, and within these ‘two worlds’ there are regional and local differences. An approach to safe food production and official controls depends on diverse and complex socio-economic factors in the context of political and legislative framework within which food producers and official controllers exist. The common goals of safe food production can only be achieved by competent people and through effective communication and collaboration at all levels with flexible approaches to production and official controls implementation, in particular to small businesses.