Malaysia fully supports proposals to adopt WHO Global Strategy for Food Safety 2022-2030

SHAH ALAM - Malaysia fully supports the recommendation put forth at the 75th World Health Assembly (WHA) to adopt the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Global Strategy for Food Safety 2022-2030, assured a Health Ministry official.

Speaking at the 150th session of the WHO Executive Board today, the head of the Surveillance Sector under the Health Ministry Disease Control Division, Dr. Wan Noraini Wan Mohamed Nor said that emphasis will be given on the Codex Alimentarius (international standards and guidelines) as it plays a significant role in assisting the member states in controlling emerging food safety issues, providing guidance in addressing food hazards, and building capacities with international organisations such as WHO and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).

She said that Malaysia will commit to supporting these guidelines, especially in its role as the host country for the Codex Committee on Fats and Oils.

“As Codex is preparing to celebrate its 60th Anniversary in 2023, it is very timely for the Global Strategy for Food Safety to be launched in tandem with this celebration.

“We believe the updated Global Strategy will add value to global health and Member States’ efforts by providing an overall vision and strategic priorities for concerted international action in food safety,” she said.

The strategy highlights the importance of food safety in public health and the need for enhanced global cooperation across the whole food and feed chain.

It also complements existing health initiatives such as nutrition, non-communicable diseases, antimicrobial resistance, public health emergency and emerging diseases, climate change and environmental health, all of which will reinforce the United Nation’s (UN) Food System Summit programs in actualising its aim to ensure access to safe and nutritious food.

“Malaysia reaffirms our commitment to continuously strengthen our national food control system and work together in the region and globally for better food safety tomorrow.

“We believe continuous coordination and collaboration between WHO, FAO, and its regional offices, engagement with the Member States, particularly with their food safety strategies, will work towards achieving the sustainable development goals (SDG),” she added.