Prof Swan was nominated and acted as co-chairperson of the meeting and as Chairperson of the FAO group at the meeting.

The JECFA meeting serves as an essential forum that is bi-annually convened to evaluate the safety of residues of certain veterinary drugs in food and to recommend maximum levels for such residues in food. The Committee is, furthermore, also responsible to devise policies with respect to risk assessment when establishing acceptable daily intakes (AIDs) and recommending maximum residue limits (MRLs) for veterinary drugs

The preparatory work for toxicological evaluations of food additives and contaminants by JECFA is actively supported by certain of the Member States that contribute to the work of the International Programme on Chemical Safety (IPCS). The IPCS is a joint venture of the United Nations Environment Programme, the International Labour Organisation, and the World Health Organization (WHO).

As member of JECFA and previously a member of the Secretariat, Prof Swan is joined by members from countries such as England, the USA, Canada, Japan, China, Australia,  Argentina, Poland, Germany, Spain, and France.