FDA Urges Stakeholders to Embrace Science in Food Safety Efforts

Accra: The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has urged all stakeholders within Ghana's food ecosystem to embrace science as a practical and indispensable tool for promoting food safety and protecting public health. It also called on government agencies, academic and research institutions, food industry players, food handlers, and consumers to play their role in integrating science-based practices throughout the food value chain.According to Ghana News Agency, academic and research institutions are encouraged to conduct and disseminate studies on food safety risks, while industry actors must adopt scientifically proven best practices across the food value chain. A press release issued to commemorate the World Food Safety Day on Saturday said science remained the backbone of food safety systems, from identifying risks and developing policy to regulating food production and responding to emerging threats.The day is marked globally on June 7, with the 2025 theme being: 'Food Safety: Science in Action.' It encour aged policymakers and regulators to strengthen investment in data infrastructure, laboratory capacity, and public education to ensure decisions were informed by credible scientific evidence.The FDA highlighted the importance of science in Ghana's context where a large portion of food was produced and consumed locally. It also noted that science ensured that food safety interventions remained effective, context-specific, and sustainable.The release said the use of scientific tools and strategies was aligned with Ghana's progress toward multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG-3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG-2 (Zero Hunger), and SDG-12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).As part of activities to mark the Day, the FDA announced a nationwide campaign comprising community durbars, sensitisation programmes for street food vendors, school outreach engagements, and media broadcasts to raise public awareness on food safety. It reaffirmed its commitment to collaborative action with all stakeholders, stating: 'By putting 'Science in Action,' Ghana can build a stronger, healthier, and more resilient food supply system, one that protects consumers and supports national development.'