On 18–19 September 2025, a seminar was held in Tashkent on the topic: “The importance of harmonizing the Republic of Uzbekistan’s food safety legislation with international standards for protecting human health and facilitating international trade. 

The event was organized within the framework of the FAO and WHO Codex Trust Fund project “Strengthening national capacity for the sustainable functioning of Codex Alimentarius in Uzbekistan.” Participants included representatives of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis, the Committee for Sanitary and Epidemiological Wellbeing and Public Health, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Committee for Veterinary and Livestock Development, the Agency for Plant Quarantine and Protection, the Uzbekistan Food Industry Association, as well as scientists and food business operators. The seminar was joined by Peter Sousa Højskov, food safety and zoonoses expert from the WHO Regional Office for Europe.

The discussions focused on steps taken to align national legislation with international standards, as well as future plans in this area. Particular attention was given to the new “Law on Food Safety”, adopted on 5 August 2025, and the sanitary rules, norms, and hygiene standards (SanQvaN), which establish:

• maximum permissible levels of certain contaminants
• limits for pesticide residues and veterinary drugs
• microbiological criteria
• regulations for the use of food additives.

The seminar served as a platform for constructive dialogue between food business operators and government authorities on the ongoing reforms in the food safety system.

On the second day, specialists from the regional offices of the Committee for Sanitary and Epidemiological Wellbeing and Public Health attended presentations on the newly adopted SanQvaN and worked in groups to discuss the changes and their practical significance for implementation and enforcement.

Read more

From principles to practice: Uzbekistan deepens engagement with Codex Alimentarius
Codex Trust Fund website