World Food Safety Day Celebrated at National Level
World Food Safety Day is a global event observed annually on June 7. This year's national celebration was held at Adi-Hawesha Resort in the Central Region under the theme 'Food Safety: Science in Action.' The event aimed to explore the latest advancements in food safety and promote responsible food handling practices. It was attended by more than 85 participants, including the Minister of Health, senior officials from the Ministries of Agriculture and Health, representatives of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and World Health Organization (WHO), experts from various relevant Government and non-governmental organizations, academia, food processors, and representatives of farmers.
Mr. Tekleab Mesghena, in his keynote speech, emphasized the importance of science in ensuring the safety and quality of food products. He highlighted the critical role of research and development in advancing food safety. Mr. Tekleab stated that the Ministry of Agriculture is working diligently to modernize its food-related regulatory services by establishing quarantine stations at various entry points, reinforcing inspection services, and promoting public awareness, particularly among food processors, through good manufacturing and agricultural practices. In his concluding remarks, Mr. Tekleab stressed on the need for a national food control system and policy to integrate the efforts of various ministries and institutions.
Mr. Sium Teame, representing the FAO, underscored that food is not a luxury but a fundamental human right. He noted that every year, 600 million people fall ill due to contaminated food, and emphasized the role of science not merely as an academic pursuit but as a practical, powerful tool. Scientific research and innovation, he said, are essential for identifying and controlling foodborne hazards, improving hygiene and safety practices throughout the food chain, establishing international standards based on risk assessments, and responding swiftly to emerging threats.
Dr. Nonso Ejiofor, representing the WHO, added that this year's theme highlights the essential role of scientific knowledge in guiding effective food safety practices. He stressed the importance of research, innovation, data, and appropriate technologies in identifying risks, reducing illness, saving lives, and cutting costs along the entire food chain.
A panel discussion was also held under the theme of the day, featuring experts and representatives from food processing industries. The panelists discussed recent advancements in food safety research, including the use of precision agriculture to improve health outcomes and reduce food waste.
During the event,six papers regarding Food Handling and Hygiene Practices; Food Expiration: Administrative, Regulatory, and Safety Implications;Effect of Processing on Heavy Metal Content in Selected Leaf Vegetables Cultivated in Asmara; Environmental Safety of Food Safety; The Role of Science in Food Safety were presented by representatives from Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Land, water and Environment, Hamelmalo College of Agricultural and Mai-Nefhi College of Science.
Participants engaged in extensive discussions on the papers and adopted various recommendations. These included the need for collaboration among all relevant stakeholders, the integration of scientific methods in food safety, improved identification of food sources, and enhanced public awareness on food preparation and safety.
Short videos highlighting national and international efforts related to food safety were also screened during the event.
World Food Safety Day is being marked for the 7th time globally and the 3rd time at the national level.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
9 hours ago
- Zawya
Improving cholera outbreak response in Angola's hardest-hit regions
With the severe cholera outbreak in Angola, residents are understandably alarmed. 'What can we do to avoid getting sick?' asked Maesso Damião, a resident of Zaire Province, to World Health Organization (WHO) public health experts who recently visited the province. The team responded with simple advice on food hygiene, water treatment, and seeking early medical treatment. 'This information can save our lives,' said Damião. In Angola, more than 25,000 cases and almost 800 deaths have been reported since the beginning of 2025 when the outbreak was declared. In Zaire Province, nearly 174 cases have been reported, with a very high case fatality rate of 5.7% as of 13 June 2025. Considering that 1% is the benchmark to indicate early and adequate treatment, the urgency to control the cholera outbreak is clear. During its week-long visit to Zaire, the multidisciplinary WHO team visited the municipalities of Soyo, Nzeto, and M'banza Kongo, where cholera has affected vulnerable communities, including fisherfolk and informal traders. The team's assessment revealed the challenges facing the response: treatment centres without adequate beds, shortages of materials, underreporting of cases, lack of sanitation, and difficulties in preparing chlorine solutions. The WHO team supported the improvement of the quality of care and biosafety (safe working practices when handling infectious agents) in four cholera treatment centres, the improvement of water safety, and distributed essential supplies and safe drinking water. They also trained 140 health professionals in epidemiological surveillance, clinical management, and infection prevention and control. 'WHO's support has enabled us to ensure crucial conditions to contain the outbreak, highlighting the importance of community involvement in disease prevention. This will allow us to adopt crucial measures for the future, prevent diseases and save lives,' said Zaire's Provincial Health Director, Dr João Bernardo. Collaboration with community leaders is essential to strengthen the response at the local level. More than 700 people took part in awareness-raising sessions at churches, beaches, and town squares. "Cholera is not only a medical emergency, but also an emergency of sanitation, treated water, information, dignity, and social justice. We must continue to work together to eliminate cholera and protect the population,' says Dr Raquel Medialdea-Carrera, WHO epidemiologist from WHO's Pandemic hub in Berlin and a member of the WHO team currently working on the ground in Angola. Dr Indrajit Hazarika, WHO Representative in Angola, reinforced the importance of this integrated approach: 'While the cholera outbreak is a cause for great concern, it also represents a critical opportunity for us to strengthen cooperation and the health systems and build more robust emergency preparedness. Our common goal is a healthier and more resilient Angola, and to that end, we hope we can count on everyone's support.' Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) - Angola.
Zawya
17 hours ago
- Zawya
Tunisia to host 1st MENA Region "One Health" Conference June 14-15
Tunis – Tunisia is hosting the first MENA Region 'One Health' Conference on June 14 and 15, with the participation of 17 regional countries and 40 high-level officials, including 10 ministers representing health, agriculture, and environment sectors, as well as directors-general, ministry representatives, and UN officials, announced Hechmi Louzir, president of the conference's scientific committee. The conference will also bring together representatives from international organisations such as the World Bank (the event's funder), the World Health Organisation (WHO), the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), and the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE). During a press conference held Thursday at the Pasteur Institute of Tunis, Louzir emphasised that this event presents a key opportunity to enhance regional and international cooperation in tackling emerging pandemics and diseases through a unified approach linking health, environment, and agriculture sectors. He noted that Tunisia will propose the "Carthage Declaration for One Health," a joint pact between health, agriculture, and environment ministries, which has already been shared with participating countries. The declaration aims to establish core principles of the "One Health" approach through collective stakeholder engagement. "The adoption of this declaration by conference participants is expected," he added. Louzir highlighted that the "One Health" approach has become essential, given that over 70% of human diseases originate from animals. Hosting this conference in Tunisia will help produce concrete recommendations and develop effective strategies to combat pandemics, he said. Abderrazek Bouzouita, Director-General of Health at the Ministry of Health, stressed that the "One Health" approach will unify efforts and policies at national, regional, and international levels, especially as climate change and new diseases threaten ecosystems. He added that the conference aims to strengthen partnerships, **share expertise and produce a joint declaration to implement decisions across sectors. Wahib Mehri, Director-General of Veterinary Services at the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources, emphasised the need for a dedicated structure to ensure coordination between health, agriculture, and environment ministries, enabling real-time data sharing to prevent disease outbreaks. Mosbah Abaza, Director-General of Sustainable Development at the Ministry of Environment, pointed out the interconnectedness of environmental, agricultural, and health systems, warning that disruptions in one sector can severely impact others. The ministry plays a key role in "One Health" through wastewater treatment, waste management, and coastal protection initiatives, he said.
Zawya
19 hours ago
- Zawya
World Food Safety Day Celebrated at National Level
World Food Safety Day is a global event observed annually on June 7. This year's national celebration was held at Adi-Hawesha Resort in the Central Region under the theme 'Food Safety: Science in Action.' The event aimed to explore the latest advancements in food safety and promote responsible food handling practices. It was attended by more than 85 participants, including the Minister of Health, senior officials from the Ministries of Agriculture and Health, representatives of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and World Health Organization (WHO), experts from various relevant Government and non-governmental organizations, academia, food processors, and representatives of farmers. Mr. Tekleab Mesghena, in his keynote speech, emphasized the importance of science in ensuring the safety and quality of food products. He highlighted the critical role of research and development in advancing food safety. Mr. Tekleab stated that the Ministry of Agriculture is working diligently to modernize its food-related regulatory services by establishing quarantine stations at various entry points, reinforcing inspection services, and promoting public awareness, particularly among food processors, through good manufacturing and agricultural practices. In his concluding remarks, Mr. Tekleab stressed on the need for a national food control system and policy to integrate the efforts of various ministries and institutions. Mr. Sium Teame, representing the FAO, underscored that food is not a luxury but a fundamental human right. He noted that every year, 600 million people fall ill due to contaminated food, and emphasized the role of science not merely as an academic pursuit but as a practical, powerful tool. Scientific research and innovation, he said, are essential for identifying and controlling foodborne hazards, improving hygiene and safety practices throughout the food chain, establishing international standards based on risk assessments, and responding swiftly to emerging threats. Dr. Nonso Ejiofor, representing the WHO, added that this year's theme highlights the essential role of scientific knowledge in guiding effective food safety practices. He stressed the importance of research, innovation, data, and appropriate technologies in identifying risks, reducing illness, saving lives, and cutting costs along the entire food chain. A panel discussion was also held under the theme of the day, featuring experts and representatives from food processing industries. The panelists discussed recent advancements in food safety research, including the use of precision agriculture to improve health outcomes and reduce food waste. During the event,six papers regarding Food Handling and Hygiene Practices; Food Expiration: Administrative, Regulatory, and Safety Implications;Effect of Processing on Heavy Metal Content in Selected Leaf Vegetables Cultivated in Asmara; Environmental Safety of Food Safety; The Role of Science in Food Safety were presented by representatives from Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Land, water and Environment, Hamelmalo College of Agricultural and Mai-Nefhi College of Science. Participants engaged in extensive discussions on the papers and adopted various recommendations. These included the need for collaboration among all relevant stakeholders, the integration of scientific methods in food safety, improved identification of food sources, and enhanced public awareness on food preparation and safety. Short videos highlighting national and international efforts related to food safety were also screened during the event. World Food Safety Day is being marked for the 7th time globally and the 3rd time at the national level. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.
