DHAKA, June 12, 2024 (BSS) -The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) officially celebrated the World Food Safety Day in Bangladesh by organising a roundtable discussion and youth engagement programme here today.

Representatives from various government bodies including Bangladesh Food Safety Authority, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Department of Agriculture Extension, Department of Agricultural Marketing, Department of Fisheries, Director General of Health Services, as well as private companies, donors, partners and universities participated in the workshop, a FAO press release said.

Dia Sanou, Deputy FAO Representative in Bangladesh, Nur Khondaker, Assistant FAO Representative (Programme) and Sonia Mehzabeen, UNV Programme Coordinator in Bangladesh, participated in the event.

Dia Sanou, Deputy FAO Representative in Bangladesh, said: “The hazards of unsafe food can be prevented by proper handling of food, better hygiene practices, and better storage. The FAO provides guidance on developing and implementing proper and effective standards and build national capacity for food quality control to ensure food is safe to eat.  We need to work together to ensure food safety and security for the people of Bangladesh.”

Sonia Mehzabeen, UNV Programme Coordinator in Bangladesh, said: “Food safety is a concern that touches every one of us, regardless of age or background. However, it is the youth, with their innovative spirit, boundless energy, and passion for a better world, who hold immense potential in driving significant advancements in this critical domain.”

The 7th June, World Food Safety Day is celebrated to raise awareness and draw attention of the importance of food safety and inspire action to help prevent, detect and manage food borne risks, contributing to food security, human health, economic prosperity, agriculture, market access, export of agri-food commodities, tourism and sustainable development.

The FAO and the World Health Organization (WHO) jointly facilitate the observance of the annual commemoration of the World Food Safety Day, in collaboration with Member States and other relevant organizations.

This year’s theme “Food safety: prepare for the unexpected” draws attention to food safety incidents. It underlines the importance of being prepared for food safety incidents, no matter how mild or severe they can be. It also calls upon individual and collective reflection on what can be done to ensure everyone has access to safe food, even when life becomes unpredictable.