FAO: Food safety requires local solutions, international cooperation

Food safety is a global problem that requires local solutions and international cooperation, Nasar Hayat, the representative of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Azerbaijan, stated at a conference held in Baku on World Food Safety Day.

Report quotes him as saying this day is very important: "It reminds us that food safety is not just a technical issue. It is a matter of public trust, national welfare, affecting the health of our citizens, economic development, and the sustainability of food systems."

The FAO official emphasized that the organization works with governments, partners, and institutions to build strong, inclusive, and sustainable food safety systems: "This includes supporting regulatory frameworks, strengthening food control systems, and promoting alignment with global standards. One of the strongest tools we have in this direction is the Codex Alimentarius Commission.”

“The commission is an international food standard body established by FAO and the World Health Organization, bringing together 189 countries to develop international food standards that protect consumer health and promote fair trade. These standards are a global reference point ensuring that food is not only safe but also reliable," he added.

Hayat also touched upon FAO's partnership with Azerbaijan: "We are proud of our growing partnership with government agencies and economic institutions in Azerbaijan. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food Safety Agency, Azerbaijan Food Safety Institute, and universities are our key partners. Azerbaijan's local institutions have demonstrated true leadership in building a food safety system that takes into account modern risks and is internationally connected."