Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — A themed event titled “Food Safety: Science in Action” was held at Secondary School No. 9 in Tashkent’s Yunusabad District, marking World Food Safety Day.

The forum was jointly organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the Ministry of Preschool and School Education of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the international public foundation “Zamin,” the educational program “Eco-Schools Uzbekistan,” and the “Yosh fermer” (“Young Farmer”) project.

The event aimed to highlight the relevance of a scientific approach to food safety and to promote the practical application of this knowledge within educational and community settings. Participants included representatives of the food industry, scientists, educators, experts, and students.

During the forum's discussions, participants emphasized that foodborne illnesses — caused by bacterial, chemical, fungal, and parasitic contaminants — are responsible for over 200 diseases. Many of these illnesses can be prevented through the use of modern scientific solutions and adherence to proper safety standards.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 600 million people globally fall ill each year due to unsafe food, with approximately 420,000 fatalities, including 125,000 children under the age of five. These statistics underscore the need for strengthened food safety control at every stage of the food supply chain.

The forum placed particular emphasis on the shared responsibility of all stakeholders in the food chain — from producers to consumers — to uphold high safety standards, minimize risks, and protect public health.

A key feature of the event was a hands-on workshop for students and teachers, conducted in a modern school greenhouse. The session focused on sustainable agricultural technologies and food safety practices, demonstrating the real-world application of scientific knowledge in controlled agricultural environments.

Experts in agronomy and food safety provided participants with practical skills and insights that can be adapted both in educational institutions and in everyday life.

The forum also included interactive lectures, visual presentations, and expert-led sessions designed to build a comprehensive understanding of food safety issues among students. Special attention was given to the need for integrating science, education, and innovative technologies to effectively manage food-related risks.

As part of the event, a children’s drawing competition was held among students from 22 schools across the capital. Winners were awarded certificates and prizes in a festive ceremony, while all participants received commemorative gifts. The finalists’ artwork reflected thoughtful and creative interpretations of food safety themes.

World Food Safety Day, celebrated annually on June 7 at the initiative of FAO and WHO, serves as a vital international platform to raise awareness of food safety challenges and promote collective efforts to protect public health, foster sustainable agriculture, and ensure access to safe markets.