WORLD FOOD SAFETY DAY 2023 Dr. Jassim Taqui DG, Al-Bab Institute for Strategic Studies

Islamabad June 8, 2023: World Food Safety Day (WFSD) was commemorated on June 7th, focusing on raising awareness about the significance of food safety and ensuring access to safe and nutritious food for all. FAO Pakistan organized a series of activities in alignment with the theme "Food standards save lives," with a special emphasis on addressing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) through collaborative efforts. The primary objective of these activities was to enhance knowledge about food safety and raise awareness regarding workplace, community, and governmental actions that can effectively promote safe food practices. Notable among the initiatives was an awareness walk conducted in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), Fleming Fund, and Islamabad Food Authority. This joint effort united key stakeholders in highlighting the importance of food safety and addressing AMR. Participants carried banners adorned with messages promoting safe and nutritious food as well as raising awareness about AMR. Dignitaries and officials shared their insights and underscored the significance of combating foodborne AMR while encouraging the adoption of safe food habits. To further advance the cause, two awareness seminars were organized in partnership with the Fleming Fund, Islamabad Food Authority, the World Health Organization, and the Institute of Food and Nutritious Sciences. The seminars, held respectively at Rawalpindi Women's University and ARID Agriculture University, served as platforms for in-depth discussions on food safety and foodborne AMR. Renowned experts delivered keynote presentations on various topics related to food safety, emphasizing the pivotal role of Codex standards in promoting both food safety and international trade. The distinguished speakers also shed light on the invaluable contributions of academia in developing innovative solutions. The seminars concluded with a strong commitment to promoting safe food practices and combating foodborne AMR. Recognizing the significance of the matter, the FAO Pakistan team held constructive meetings with the Commissioner of the Capital Development Authority and representatives from the Islamabad Food Authority. During these meetings, pressing issues concerning food safety and the escalating threat of AMR were extensively discussed. The Commissioner highlighted the risks associated with contaminated food containing drug residues and stressed the imperative of collective efforts from all stakeholders in combating foodborne AMR. Dr. M. Afzal, FMD Management Specialist participated in Radio Pakistan’s live program “Zarkhaiz Pakistan” where he emphasized the significance of food safety for all. FAO Pakistan, together with its esteemed partners, remains dedicated to the pursuit of safe and nutritious food for all, safeguarding public health, and fostering sustainable development. Through these diverse activities, FAO Pakistan aims to significantly increase awareness about food safety, encourage proactive measures to prevent foodborne illnesses and promote best practices in food handling, storage, and preparations.