Today, the National Codex Alimentarius Structure of Kazakhstan organized an international round table in an online format at the National Center of Expertise, dedicated to World Food Safety Day.

The Codex Alimentarius Commission, supported by FAO and WHO, promotes global coordination of scientific research in the field of food safety and serves as an international platform for the exchange of scientific information.

The international event was opened with a welcome speech by Sarkhat Beissenova, Chair of the Committee for Sanitary and Epidemiological Control of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

In 2025, the theme of World Food Safety Day is “Food Safety: Prepare for the Unexpected,” emphasizing the crucial role of science in ensuring food safety. Scientific knowledge forms the basis for the development of Codex Alimentarius standards and recommendations aimed at protecting consumer health and promoting fair trade.

Particular attention during the round table was given to the activities of international scientific bodies — JECFA, JMPR, JEMRA, and JEMNU — which have been conducting food safety assessments for many years based on the best available scientific data. The publications of these groups are recognized as authoritative references and are used by governments, industry, and research institutions around the world.

Speakers addressing the participants included Dr. Bitul Vazgeçer, Vice-Chairperson of the Codex Alimentarius Commission; Mary Kenny, Representative of the FAO Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia; Stella Gheorghita, Policy Advisor of the WHO Country Office; Mario Latini, Officer of the WHO Subregional Office for Central Asia; and Taskyn Kyzaibayev, Deputy Chair of the Committee for Veterinary Control and Supervision of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

The round table was attended by representatives from Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, the Eurasian Economic Commission (observer at the Codex Alimentarius Commission), relevant ministries and agencies, sanitary and veterinary laboratories, the production sector, scientific and educational institutions, as well as international organizations.

Participants discussed various aspects of food safety, the importance of an intersectoral approach in addressing key issues, the fundamental role of science in strengthening food safety, and the significance of Codex Alimentarius documents in ensuring food safety, protecting consumer health, and supporting fair trade practices.

The round table demonstrated Kazakhstan’s commitment to active international cooperation in the field of food safety and to strengthening the scientific foundation for protecting public health.

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