Botswana joined the global community in commemorating World Food Safety Day 2025, with the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization (WHO) calling for urgent action to strengthen food safety systems, guided by science and coordinated regulation.

Speaking at the event, WHO Representative Dr Fabian Ndenzako warned that contaminated food causes 600 million illnesses and 420,000 deaths globally each year, with children under five the most affected. He stressed that unsafe food also costs low- and middle-income countries over $110 billion annually in lost productivity and healthcare.
“Food safety is not optional,  it is essential for protecting health and promoting development,” he said. Dr Ndenzako outlined WHO’s ongoing support through its Global Food Safety Strategy, international standards like the Codex Alimentarius, and emergency coordination via INFOSAN.

Minister of Health Dr Stephen Modise echoed the call for action, stating: “If it is not safe, it is not food.” He emphasized the need to eliminate contaminants such as pesticide residues and toxins throughout the food chain. Acknowledging Botswana’s progress, he announced that the new Food Safety and Quality Bill is nearing finalization. Once enacted, it will modernize the country’s food control systems and improve coordination between regulators.

Dr Modise also underscored the importance of the theme, “Food Safety: Science in Action,” highlighting how technologies like genomics and rapid testing are improving detection of pathogens. He praised research institutions such as the University of Botswana, BUAN, and NARDI for their contributions to food safety studies and surveillance.
The idea of ensuring safety “from farm to fork” was central to both speeches. This means protecting food at every step,  from production and processing to transport, storage, and preparation. Everyone has a role to play: farmers, businesses, regulators, and consumers.

Both leaders called for a united approach. “Let us raise awareness, embrace innovation, and build a food safety culture that protects public health and drives economic growth,” said Dr Modise.