ISLAMABAD: On World Food Safety Day, the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan joined the global community in emphasizing the critical importance of food safety for public health, food security, and sustainable development. The observance, which was proclaimed by the United Nations in 2018, is led by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) to heighten awareness and encourage action regarding food safety on a worldwide scale.
According to Press Information Department, the theme for World Food Safety Day 2026, “From burden to solutions – safe food everywhere,” underscores the essential role of science, data, and evidence-based interventions in alleviating the burden of foodborne diseases and enhancing food safety outcomes. This theme highlights the necessity of informed decisions and practical solutions in safeguarding individuals from preventable health risks.
The President stressed the impact of food safety on daily life, noting that every family expects safe food whether purchased from markets, served in restaurants, prepared in schools, or consumed at home. Failure to maintain food safety standards can lead to illness, loss of income, increased healthcare costs, and disruptions in education and work. Protecting consumers from these risks is seen as both a public health duty and a matter of public trust.
Ensuring food safety requires collaboration among governments, regulatory authorities, producers, processors, transporters, retailers, food handlers, and consumers. Safe food is linked to health protection, consumer confidence, livelihood support, and economic growth, while also reducing the prevalence of foodborne diseases, particularly among vulnerable groups such as children, pregnant and lactating women, and older individuals.
The President highlighted the need for effective food safety measures in an interconnected food system, emphasizing the importance of science, transparency, and internationally recognized standards. Strengthening inspection systems, laboratory capacity, traceability, surveillance mechanisms, and hygiene practices is crucial for risk reduction and public health safeguarding. Ongoing collaboration among relevant institutions is necessary to ensure the effective implementation and maintenance of food safety standards.
World Food Safety Day also draws attention to the role of food safety in sustainable development, public health, and trade. Investment in food safety infrastructure, awareness programs, and modern regulatory systems is seen as a means to build stronger, more resilient food systems while enhancing consumer protection.
On this occasion, the President called upon all stakeholders to advocate for safe food practices and reinforce compliance with food safety standards throughout the entire food chain. Through shared responsibility, informed action, and sustained commitment, it is hoped that safe, nutritious, and wholesome food can be made accessible to all.