The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), in collaboration with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) through the Feed the Future Ghana Trade and Investment (GTI) Activity, the World Health Organization (WHO), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the World Food Program (WFP) of the United Nations, and various stakeholders in the food value chain, commemorated the 2024 World Food Safety Day (WFSD) in Ghana.
In a release signed by the CEO of the Food and Drugs Authority, Dr. Delese Mimi Darko, this year’s sixth WFSD aims to raise awareness about the importance of food safety, encouraging actions to prevent, detect, and manage foodborne illnesses.
Held under the theme “Food Safety: Prepare for the Unexpected,” this year’s event highlights the significance of being prepared for food-related issues, regardless of their severity. Food safety is crucial at all stages of the food value chain, and the theme underscores the potential health risks posed by consuming food in poor conditions and the need for vigilance in managing these risks.
WFSD is dedicated to promoting awareness about the importance of food safety at every stage of the food value chain. The FDA encourages actions to prevent, detect, and manage foodborne illnesses, contributing to food security, human health, agriculture, economic prosperity, market access, tourism, and sustainable development.
Activities Lined Up for WFSD 2024:
- Conference and Master Class: The WFSD will be launched with a half-day conference, followed by a two-day master class from June 19 to 20, 2024. These events will focus on pertinent food safety issues, standards, regulatory requirements, and trade promotion requirements for various stakeholders.
- Food Product Exhibition: Alongside the master class, there will be a food product exhibition to promote public and stakeholder interactions on food safety and regulatory issues.
- Public Education Campaign: A comprehensive public education campaign will be conducted through media engagements on various radio and TV stations. These engagements will be in several Ghanaian languages to create widespread awareness of food safety and the significance of WFSD.
- Student Quiz Competition: The final activity will be a quiz competition on June 30, 2024, with students from selected secondary schools competing on the theme “Food Safety: Prepare for the Unexpected.” This competition will allow students to showcase their knowledge of food safety issues and will be broadcasted on selected media stations.
The FDA emphasizes the importance of these activities in disseminating food safety information to all stakeholders and ensuring preparedness to handle food safety incidents effectively. The collective effort of international and local partners underscores the critical role of food safety in public health and the overall well-being of society.
