The initiative aimed to empower participants to effectively fulfill their supervisory roles in ensuring food safety in schools and public places, in line with the FDA's mandate to protect and promote public health.

This year's celebration, themed "Food Safety: Science in Action," underscores the vital role of science in maintaining food safety throughout the entire supply chain.
It highlights how scientific knowledge, research, and evidence-based practices are key to preventing foodborne illnesses and safeguarding public health.

With support from the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), the FDA is strategically engaging key stakeholders responsible for enforcing food safety regulations to shield the public from unwholesome food.

The interactive session with SHEP Coordinators and Environmental Health Officers explored pressing issues in food safety and identified practical ways to address them collaboratively.

Participants were sensitised on common infractions in food handling and their potential impact on public health and safety.

Ms. Nora Nakie Teye-Larbie, Director for Regional Operations at the FDA, explained that food could be unsafe due to microbial contamination, germs, physical impurities, or chemical substances.

"Food safety is everyone's business because contaminated food can harm individuals, families, and entire communities," she emphasised.

According to her, food is meant to be healthy, nutritious, and above all, safe and that no one should eat food and become ill as a result.
She stressed the importance of continuous stakeholder engagement in enforcing food safety regulations for the public good.

Mr. David Oppong Darko, Regional Environmental Health Officer, commended the FDA for the insightful engagement.

He noted that the training would enhance food safety practices among vendors and ensure stronger compliance across districts.
He expressed confidence that participants would apply the knowledge gained to improve food safety standards in their respective areas for the benefit of the public.