The morning of May 24, 2025, students and faculties slipped on crisp new event T-shirts, posters were hung, and a warm buzz filled the tiered lecture hall. Instead of a typical campus event, it was a celebration of World Food Safety Day, and this year’s theme, “Food Safety: Science in Action,” was brought to life with energy, clarity, and vision.

Organized by the China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment (CFSA) in collaboration with China Agricultural University (CAU), the event invited students, researchers, professors, and food professionals to reflect on the science that quietly protects billions of meals every day, and to see their own place in that system.

The day began with welcoming remarks from Professor Shutao Yin, Secretary of the College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University. His words emphasized that young scientists are not only the explorers of knowledge, but also the future guardians of food safety for our society.

To bring science off the podium and into the hands of the audience, the event featured several interactive segments. Using Menti, a live polling tool, participants responded to questions about the role of science in the food safety regulatory framework, and their understanding of international food standards. Responses lit up the screen in real time, prompting both laughter and “aha” moments as misconceptions were addressed and insights were shared.

One of the most inspiring moments came from Dr Jing Tian, Vice-Chairperson of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, who delivered a keynote that connected science, international cooperation, and the future generation. With warmth and conviction, Dr Tian said,“The future of food safety doesn’t belong to institutions. It belongs to the young scientists who are ready to ask new questions, try new tools, and create solutions we haven’t yet imagined.”

Her message wasn’t just a call to action but an invitation to step into the world of global standards, emerging risks, and innovative food technologies. Dr Tian also shared how Codex, as the world’s leading body for setting food safety standards, relies on scientific evidence and consensus-building across nations, and most importantly how young professionals will play a key role in continuing that legacy.

A fast-paced food safety quiz followed, testing everything from food risk analysis to risk management approaches. Participants competed in small teams, energized by both the prizes and the thrill of applying their classroom knowledge in a real-world context.

As the event wound down, Dr Yongxiang Fan, Deputy Director-General of CFSA, and Chairperson of Codex Committee on Food Additives returned to the stage to close the loop. He reminded the audience that food safety is not just about avoiding harm. It’s about enabling innovation, supporting trade, and protecting public health. He spoke of the importance of continuous learning, collaboration, and curiosity, all qualities that every student in the room already possessed.

The day concluded with a group photo full of smiles and raised fists. Many participants stayed after to continue conversations, exchange ideas, and perhaps, imagine themselves one day shaping the future of food safety in labs, government halls, classrooms, or start-ups.

This year’s World Food Safety Day event in CAU wasn’t about slogans or statistics. It was about people. It was about empowering young minds to recognize that science is not just a tool for experts. It is a pathway for anyone who wants to make food safer, smarter, and more sustainable.

As Dr Tian said, “When we give science to the next generation, we give them the power to feed the world: safely, wisely, and with confidence.”

CFSA is committed to advancing science-based food safety in China and globally, working with partners like Codex, government agencies and universities to foster innovation, strengthen capacity, and inspire the next wave of leaders. Because food safety is not a one-day event. It’s a lifelong mission. And science is how we carry it forward.

To learn more about CFSA initiatives for World food safety programs, visit www.cfsa.net.cn

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