Bandar Seri Begawan, Wednesday, 2 July 2025

The Brunei Darussalam Food Authority (BDFA) conducted a workshop in celebration of World Food Safety Day. The one-day workshop held at Dewan Al-‘Afiah, Ministry of Health, was officiated by Yang Mulia Dayang Hajah Tutiaty binti Haji Abdul Wahab, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism, who is also a member of the BDFA Board of Directors. The Guest of Honour in her remarks, expressed her appreciation to BDFA for organizing the workshop and acknowledged the significance of World Food Safety Day. “World Food Safety Day aims to raise awareness on the importance of food safety and to remind us that safe food is essential to good health. It also aims to reinforce that food safety is a shared responsibility among governments, producers, and consumers. It highlights the crucial role everyone plays, from agricultural production to consumption, in ensuring that our food is safe and does not pose health risks,” she stated. She highlighted how science underpins every inspection, standard, and action to protect the food that we eat, and this is supported by the efforts of professionals who apply evidence, technology, and innovative approaches to protect public safety.

However, she emphasized that science alone is not enough. It must be translated into action, particularly by food industry stakeholders. Whether involved in food importing, manufacturing, or retailing, the food industry plays a crucial role in safeguarding public health. She explained that the workshop was designed with the needs of industry in mind. Participants had the opportunity to gain a better understanding of the roles of competent authorities responsible for food safety in Brunei Darussalam, understand the procedures for food sampling, and appreciate the importance of traceability and food recall processes.

In addition, she encouraged participants to assist government agencies, including the BDFA, in identifying and acknowledging gaps and challenges faced by food business operators. By working together, she said, they can develop effective solutions. The Guest of Honour also emphasized that Brunei Darussalam’s national food system operates on a foundation of mutual cooperation, synergy, and collaboration. She explained that while government agencies, including the BDFA, are tasked with enforcing regulatory mandates, the food industry must continue to grow and develop in support of the nation’s economic progress. She stressed the importance of both sectors recognizing and appreciating each other’s roles, working hand in hand to support and complement one another. She expressed her hope that all participants and stakeholders would seize the workshop as a valuable platform to learn, seek support, and establish meaningful collaborations.

“Our food industry is the backbone of our food system, the bridge between scientific advances and the meals people rely on daily. I therefore call upon everyone involved in the food industry—farmers, food importers, food manufacturers, food business operators, regulators, and educational institutions—to work together to turn scientific knowledge into real-world impact. Support research; build strong food control systems; invest in prevention; adopt cutting-edge technologies for detecting risks early; train and empower your workers with the latest food safety knowledge; partner with each other to tackle emerging challenges, like climate impacts or new contaminants; and listen to consumers because food safety is not static, it evolves with our needs,” she said.

In concluding her remarks, she called for all stakeholders to recognise the progress made in strengthening food safety and to renew their commitment to achieving even greater success. She reminded the audience that food safety is not merely a privilege but a fundamental right, and reaffirmed the collective pledge to make food safety clear, accessible, and actionable for everyone.

Meanwhile, Dr Noraskhin binti Haji Md. Fadillah, BDFA Chief Technical Officer, as co-Chairperson of the organizing committee, in her welcoming remarks highlighted that the theme for this year's World Food Safety Day celebration, “Food Safety: Science in Action,” underscores the critical role science plays in safeguarding the safety and integrity of the food supply. She then emphasised that scientific advancements, evidence-based policies, and sound risk assessments form the foundation of effective food safety systems. She noted that as the BDFA continues to grow and strengthen its regulatory mandate, the Authority remains firmly committed to advancing and safeguarding food safety for the benefit of the public. In line with this commitment, BDFA has organised a series of public outreach activities and stakeholder engagement initiatives to mark this year’s World Food Safety Day celebration.

The workshop, among other things, served as a valuable platform for meaningful engagement with government agencies, relevant stakeholders, the food industry, and partners across the food sector.

Its objective was to emphasize the critical role of science and evidence-based approaches in ensuring our food supply's safety, quality, and integrity, in which the shared responsibility requires collaboration, innovation, and continuous vigilance.

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