Global Food Regulators Summit 2024 concludes with pledge to strengthen food safety systems across globe

New Delhi [India], September 21 : Union Minister of Food and Processing Industries Chirag Paswan addressed the valedictory ceremony of the two-day Global Food Regulators Summit at Bharat Mandapam in Delhi, hosted by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
According to a statement released on Saturday, the summit featured insightful dialogues and discussions aimed at fostering international collaboration and knowledge-sharing on food safety and regulatory issues.
Addressing the session, Chirag Paswan said, "It is our responsibility to ensure food safety along with food security. We should aim not only to maintain the quality of our food but also to explore ways to enhance its value." Shri Paswan congratulated FSSAI for organizing the global summit, which saw a massive participation of national and international food regulators and other stakeholders."
"The diversity of our food systems is truly remarkable; this is the essence of India. We need to brainstorm ways to transform this rich abundance into meaningful opportunities," he added.
VK Paul, Member, NITI Aayog, in his address, commended the Eat Right India movement of FSSAI.
"I'm very proud that our nation has the Eat Right Movement. I urge all of you to join the movement of the Eat Right India Jan Andolan and engage in behavioral change," he said.
Earlier in the day, Anupriya Patel, Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare and Chemicals and Fertilizers, delivered the Presidential Address at the Regional Conclave, which was held as a parallel session. She emphasized unity and collaboration between countries to elevate the role of regional countries in shaping food safety standards globally. She also shed light on the crucial role played by FSSAI in aligning the national food safety standards of India to those of Codex norms.
India hosted the Regional Conclave aimed at enhancing collaboration and harmonization within the Codex Alimentarius Commission's standard-setting process. This is the first time that a regional conclave has been organized outside the headquarters of Codex in Rome. It provided a dedicated platform for Asian countries to discuss food safety, trade, and regulatory challenges unique to the region. Punya Salila Srivastava, Officer on Special Duty, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, delivered the keynote address at the occasion.
G Kamala Vardhana Rao, FSSAI CEO, provided an overview of the discussions held during the two-day event. He expressed gratitude to both national and international delegates for their invaluable contributions and expertise during the discussions.
The summit brought together delegates from over 70 countries, including food safety regulators and those from risk assessment authorities, research institutes, and universities, who discussed and strategized on key regulatory issues. It highlighted India's commitment to leading global efforts in enhancing food safety standards and ensuring food security. It set off dialogue on critical aspects such as food safety, risk assessment, analytical competence, and capacity-building initiatives, which impact the food safety ecosystem worldwide. Inoshi Sharma, Executive Director, FSSAI, and senior officials of the Union Health Ministry were present at the event.