The Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), in partnership with the National Alliance for Safe Food (NAFS), successfully led Pakistan’s national commemoration of World Food Safety Day 2025 under the theme “Food Safety: Science in Action.” Held in Islamabad, the event brought together key stakeholders from government, regulatory authorities, the food industry, academia, and civil society to highlight the importance of food safety in ensuring public health and sustainable development. World Food Safety Day, officially recognized by the United Nations and observed annually on June 7, aims to raise awareness about foodborne risks and promote collective action to ensure the safety of food from production to consumption.
The national event featured a high-level dialogue that included keynote addresses from policymakers, technical experts, and leaders from the food and health sectors. Panel discussions explored challenges in food safety, shared best practices from across the country and beyond, and emphasized the urgent need for stronger coordination among public and private sector actors. Food safety professionals underscored the impact of unsafe food on public health and nutrition outcomes, and highlighted innovative solutions for foodborne disease prevention and control. The dialogue concluded with a set of policy recommendations aimed at enhancing food safety frameworks and regulatory practices in Pakistan.
Addressing the event Deputy Secretary Ministry of Food Security & Research Mr. Shafqat highlighted the importance of enhanced collaboration of the stakeholders to review and refine the public policies to address the areas of food safety and climate change, GAIN Country Director Farrah Naz highlighted the importance of Safe and Nutritious Food and Provision of Healthy diets for all. Head of Policy & Advocacy GAIN, Mr. Faiz Rasool share the critical challenges arising out of Food in security and food safety challenges, he mentioned that GAIN is providing technical assistance to the relevant public sector entities to address Food safety Challenges in a collaborative manner
In the lead-up to the main event, GAIN and NAFS is organizing a series of capacity-building training workshops. These workshops will be conducted at provincial and federal levels and targeted both food regulators and food business operators. Designed to strengthen compliance with international food safety standards and improve inspection and enforcement capacity, the trainings will equip participants with practical knowledge and tools to improve food quality, consumer protection, and market access. Over 14 sessions will be held, with dedicated modules tailored to the needs of regulatory authorities and food entrepreneurs.
The 2025 campaign will mark success in generating broad-based engagement, raising public awareness, and fostering collaboration between regulatory bodies, academia, industry, and development organizations. The outcomes of the campaign will also be increased media and social media coverage, formal policy recommendations submitted to relevant authorities, and new partnerships formed to promote long-term improvements in food safety. GAIN remains committed to supporting Pakistan’s efforts to build a safer, healthier, and more resilient food system and thanks all partners, speakers, and participants for their contributions to this important national effort.
