‘Korea is a leader in food safety’ Tom Heilandt, Codex Secretary, said in a video message for the 19th Korean Food Safety Day ceremony.

The 19th Korean Food Safety Day ceremony was held at the International Center of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Seoul, Korea on 12 June on a smaller scale than usual due to COVID-19. However, the food safety heroes along the food chain – in production, processing, storage, transport, retail and distribution – as well as consumers participated and were congratulated for their success in their fields.

Minister Lee EuiKyung

In her opening remarks, Minister Lee EuiKyung of the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety said ‘Korean Food Safety Day is a good opportunity to think about what our role is in food safety’. And she added that everyone along the food chain has a role in keeping food safe.

Tom Heilandt, Codex Secretary delivers video message

Tom Heilandt was not able to attend and delivered his speech virtually. He congratulated Korea for the advancement and successes of its food management system. Stressing the importance of global cooperation in a global crisis like COVID-19, Heilandt thanked Korea for its contribution to international activities such as the Codex Trust Fund and the new project of implementation of Codex standards on antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which help less developed counties participate in Codex work.

Every year, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety holds a variety of events celebrating food safety for two weeks, called "Food Safety Awareness Weeks." This year’s campaign was run online through social media and broadcasting in order for people to avoid physical contact.

This year’s slogan was “Food Safety Together, Healthy Korea,” in line with the spirit of World Food Safety Day.

Learn more

Korean Food Safety Day website http://www.foodsafetyday.com/2020/index.html

The 19th Korean Food Safety Day video message (in Korean): Youtube