IOFS welcomed guests to the 7th expert meeting of the Healthy and Safe Food Ecosystem Program of the IOFS, devoted to the celebration of World Food Safety Day, organized jointly with the Kazakh Agrotechnical University named after S.Seifulin. The meeting gathered experts from: Kazakakhstan, the Sultanate of Oman, Pakistan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Türkiye, Tajikistan.
World Food Safety Day has been marked by the United Nations to draw global attention to the health consequences of contaminated food and water. This year’s theme, “Food Standards Save Lives”, highlights the need of sustainable production systems to ensure the health of people, the planet, and the economy in the long-term. The IOFS stands with the world and calls for global participation in promoting food safety awareness, and calls upon countries and decision-makers, the private sector, and civil society to take action.
During his keynote address, the Director General of IOFS, Prof.Yerlan Baidaulet noted the challenges of Food Safety.
“Today, we commend the efforts of scientists, academia, experts and representatives of regulatory agencies who tirelessly work behind the scenes to ensure that the food we consume is safe. They employ rigorous testing, monitoring, and control measures to identify and mitigate potential hazards. From the farm where food is grown, to the factories where it is processed, to the markets where it is sold, safety standards and best practices are essential.
However, despite these efforts, food safety challenges persist. Climate change, globalization, and evolving food production practices have introduced new risks and complexities. We must adapt to these changes and find innovative solutions to address emerging issues. Collaboration and knowledge-sharing among nations and organizations are key to tackling these challenges.”
To note, the IOFS modality “from Gene to Fork,” promotes a food production process that fully excludes components and/or manufacturing methods that do not comply with the halal standards, starting at the gene/seed level. Join the efforts of IOFS by learning more about the OIC Healthy and Safe Food Ecosystem Program.
