In celebration of World Food Safety Day 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), together with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Department of Agriculture, and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), have come together with stakeholders across the food and health sectors for a four-day webinar series from 3 to 6 June 2025.
Each year, 600 million people globally fall ill from foodborne diseases, with an estimated USD 15 billion spent on treatment. Food safety concerns are exacerbated by the misuse of antimicrobials in agriculture and the growing threat of climate change, which alters farming practices, increases the risk of contamination, and impacts the nutritional quality of food.
The virtual event tackles these challenges in food safety while highlighting the vital role of science in protecting public health and the shared responsibility of all stakeholders in ensuring access to safe, nutritious food.
“Let's continue to champion the indispensable role of science in food safety. The FDA Philippines remains steadfast in its commitment to utilizing the best available and accessible science to protect every Filipino. Together, let's put food safety science in action every single day, ensuring safe and nutritious food for all,” reaffirmed Ms. Pilar Marilyn M. Pagayunan, Director IV, Center for Food Regulation and Research, Food and Drug Administration Philippines.
“Let us remember: food safety is a shared responsibility. It begins with our laws, standards, and regulations, guided by science, and ultimately succeeds through dedicated cooperation at every level. Let us renew our commitment to building food systems that are science-based, transparent, inclusive, and reliable—from farm to fork,” emphasised Dr Karen Roscom, Director of the Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards at the Department of Agriculture, Philippines.
The discussion reinforces key scientific actions such as improving food safety through research, including stronger monitoring systems, climate-resilient and safer farming practices, consumer education, and global knowledge-sharing to build resilient food systems.
“As climate change reshapes the geography of food safety, and antimicrobial resistance continues to claim over 1.3 million lives per year, our commitment to science must grow stronger. Only through informed action can we meet these global challenges. Today, let us celebrate not just food safety, but the power of science in action to ensure protection and food for all,” remarked Dr Lionel Dabbadie, FAO Representative in the Philippines.
“The World Health Organization continues to support the Philippines in fostering a healthy food system backed by evidence and research. As food is one of the major components of health, we call on industries, government agencies, development partners, and communities to work together to ensure that the food we eat is safe, while promoting sustainable processes and climate-friendly mechanisms,” said Dr Eunyoung Ko, Officer-in-Charge, WHO Philippines.
This World Food Safety Day, and every day, let us continue using science-based actions and strengthening our collaboration so that every Filipino has access to safe, healthy, and high-quality food that nourishes life.