As the world marks World Food Safety Day on 7 June 2025, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) joins the global call to action, spotlighting food safety as essential to public health, economic stability, and food and nutrition security. This year’s theme—“Food Safety: Science in Action”—emphasizes the critical role of science and coordinated systems in protecting the food supply from farm to fork.
Why Food Safety Matters
Food safety is the foundation of a healthy society. It means handling, preparing, and storing food in ways that prevent contamination and foodborne illness. It protects lives, supports sustainable food systems, and ensures that what we eat is free from harmful biological, chemical, or physical hazards.
The Stakes for the IGAD Region
In the IGAD region, foodborne illnesses continue to be a hidden crisis. Globally, unsafe food causes 600 million illnesses and 420,000 deaths each year, according to the World Health Organization. The economic toll is equally severe—low- and middle-income countries lose an estimated US$110 billion annually due to productivity losses and health care costs.
For IGAD, where food insecurity remains a deep-rooted challenge, food safety is not just a public health issue—it’s a development priority. Unsafe food undermines local agriculture, limits trade opportunities, and threatens livelihoods and economic resilience.
IGAD’s Strategic Response
To tackle these challenges head-on, IGAD is driving regional progress through two key frameworks:
- Food Safety Strategy (2022–2027)
- Food and Nutrition Security Strategy (2025–2034)
These strategies aim to strengthen food systems that are safe, resilient, and inclusive, guided by three key pillars:
- Harmonising Food Safety Regulations
IGAD works with Member States to align food safety standards, making trade easier and food safer across borders.
- Fostering Cross-Sectoral Collaboration
By coordinating agriculture, health, and trade sectors, IGAD ensures food safety is addressed throughout the value chain—from production to consumption.
- Building Technical Capacity
IGAD supports Member States in developing robust systems for food inspection, risk analysis, laboratory testing, and disease surveillance.
This is science in action—turning data into policy, and policy into safer food for millions.
A Regional Call to Action
On this World Food Safety Day, IGAD urges governments, producers, traders, consumers, and development partners to put food safety at the core of their agendas. A safe food supply unlocks health, drives trade, and fuels growth.
Together, we can make food in the IGAD region not only accessible and nutritious—but safe for all.
