On 20 May 2025, a vibrant celebration of World Food Safety Day took place at Tashkent State Medical University (TSMU) under the global theme “Food Safety: Science in Action.” The event was jointly organized by the Committee for Sanitary-Epidemiological Welfare and Public Health of the Republic of Uzbekistan, TSMU, and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), with broad participation from academia, students, public health professionals, and media representatives.

The day began with an outdoor session on the university campus, featuring a series of physical competitions and team games such as running, relay races, football, badminton, and chess tournaments. These activities aimed to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about food safety in a dynamic and informal setting.

This was followed by a scientific and practical conference focused on international principles, the role of the Codex Alimentarius in ensuring food safety, and ongoing reforms in Uzbekistan aimed at aligning national systems with international standards. The session emphasized the importance of evidence-based decision-making, intersectoral coordination, and preparedness in food safety management.

Anvar Shukurov, the National Codex Contact Point in Uzbekistan, opened the session by highlighting the country’s commitment to applying Codex standards and harmonizing national legislation with leading international practices. Adding a global perspective, Professor Aleksandra Martinović, a food safety and biotechnology expert from Montenegro, emphasized the vital role of science and international practices in ensuring the safety of food products throughout the entire food supply chain.

To further engage youth and strengthen knowledge transfer, the event concluded with a Kahoot-based quiz competition, allowing students to test their understanding of food safety concepts in an interactive format. Winners were awarded prizes in recognition of their enthusiasm and awareness.

The celebration in Tashkent served as a reminder that food safety is a shared responsibility. From producers and regulators to consumers and students, everyone plays a role in ensuring safe food. Through continued collaboration with FAO, WHO and Codex, Uzbekistan is committed to building a resilient, science-driven food safety system that protects public health and meets international standards.

Read more

World Food Safety Day 2025 news