PHNOM PENH: On August 21, 2024, over 200 stakeholders from the agriculture, food, and nutrition sectors gathered in Phnom Penh to commemorate Cambodia’s World Food Safety Day (WFSD) 2024. This year’s event, led by the Council for Agricultural and Rural Development (CARD) and supported by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), World Health Organization (WHO), United States Agency for International Development (USAID), International Development Enterprises (iDE), Helen Keller International, World Vision International, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was centered on the theme,”Food Safety: Prepare for the Unexpected.”
The gathering brought together policymakers, development partners, non-governmental organizations, subject matter experts, private sector representatives, researchers, educators, students, farmers, and youth groups, all united in their commitment to ensuring food safety for everyone. This celebration marked Cambodia’s third annual World Food Safety Day.
Food safety remains a critical global issue, affecting millions each year. Globally, contaminated food causes illnesses in approximately 600 million people annually, leading to 420,000 deaths and economic losses estimated at $110 billion, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. In Cambodia, food safety concerns are ever-present, impacting public health, the economy, and even tourism. Tragically, foodborne diseases claim the lives of 125,000 children under the age of five worldwide each year, emphasizing the urgent need for better food safety measures.
H.E. Dr. Ouk Rabun, Senior Minister and Chairman of CARD, emphasized, “Food safety is the responsibility of everyone. Safe food is crucial for health, livelihood, and well-being of all people. Promoting food safety is a key factor for a sustainable food system, human capital development, and achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. Therefore, I would like to call on development partners, civil society organizations, the private sector, media, youths, and the population to participate with the government in strengthening food systems to make food safe for consumers and to mainstream food safety into public health policy aimed at reducing the prevalence of foodborne disease, attracting more national and international tourists, and facilitating trade opportunities for food businesses, which will contribute to the economic and social development in Cambodia.”
World Food Safety Day, established by the UN General Assembly in 2018 and celebrated annually on June 7th, focuses on raising awareness and promoting action to prevent, detect, and manage foodborne risks. The 2024 celebration in Cambodia highlighted the crucial need for collaboration among policymakers, experts, food producers, processors, distributors, retailers, and consumers to ensure safe food access, particularly in unpredictable circumstances. This year’s global theme, “Prepare for the Unexpected,” highlights the importance of being prepared to handle food safety incidents, whether they are local disruptions like power outages or larger international food safety alerts.
Ms. Rebekah Bell, FAO Representative in Cambodia, remarked, “In our interconnected global food supply chain, food safety hazards can rapidly escalate from local issues to international crises, making preparedness more vital than ever. Food safety is everyone’s responsibility, spanning the entire food chain—from producers to consumers, and regulatory bodies. We must all remain vigilant and prepared.”
Speaking on behalf of UN agencies at WFSD 2024, she continued, “This gathering reflects our shared commitment to food safety and highlights the essential role of collaboration in protecting the health of our food systems and communities. As we advance our missions, it is imperative that we plan, prepare, and act collectively to address the key challenges within Cambodia’s food system, striving for comprehensive and sustainable improvements throughout the entire food value chain.”
Dr. Marianna Trias, WHO Representative to Cambodia, added, “As we celebrate World Food Safety Day 2024, we’re reminded that food safety is a collective effort. It’s a shared responsibility, and the only way we can guarantee that the food on our plates is safe. However, there are times when, despite our best efforts, the unexpected can still happen and disrupt even the best-laid plans. It’s essential for us all to stay prepared, interconnected, and flexible in responding to emerging threats. We must collaborate to ensure our surveillance systems are integrated across the health, animal, and environment sectors to identify early warnings and prevent outbreaks before they escalate. WHO is fully committed to working with the Royal Government of Cambodia and all our partners to keep our food safe and protect everyone’s health.”
With over 60 percent of Cambodia’s population being youth, this year’s WFSD emphasized the importance of engaging young people in food safety issues. The event featured keynote addresses from leaders, panel discussions with experts and youth leaders, and the “Youth4FoodSafety: A Visual Art Competition,” which provided a platform for young participants to convey key food safety messages through posters, videos, and photos. Out of many entries, nine young individuals from various educational institutions across Cambodia were selected as winners at the WFSD 2024 celebration.
Cambodia’s ongoing commitment to World Food Safety Day, in partnership with international and local stakeholders, demonstrates a growing global recognition of the critical role food safety plays in public health and economic stability. Since beginning its observance in 2022, Cambodia has demonstrated its dedication to advancing food safety, upholding rigorous food standards, implementing effective safety and quality management practices, and ensuring traceability in response to unexpected incidents.
Photo by: Supplied
