The Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Mauritius commemorated World Food Safety Day with a half-day workshop themed "Food standards save lives." The event, held on 7th June 2023, was dedicated to underlining the vital role of food safety practices and standards in ensuring food quality and safety.
In light of alarming WHO statistics citing that each year unsafe food is responsible for 600 million foodborne diseases and 420,000 deaths globally, the workshop aimed to raise awareness and emphasize the importance of food safety in maintaining public health and achieving several Sustainable Development Goals.
The ceremony was graced by a host of esteemed speakers, each contributing their perspectives and expertise on the subject of food safety. Associate Professor Daneshwar PUCHOOA, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, opened the addresses by emphasizing the significant role the Faculty plays in food science training and capacity building.
The gist of his speech wereEmpowering Students for a Safer Food Supply:
At the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Mauritius, we are committed to equipping our students with the knowledge and skills needed to ensure food safety at every stage of the food chain. Through programs like the Bachelor of Science in Food Science and Technology, we have graduated over 200 professionals who now lead in food quality assurance across Mauritius. They play a pivotal role in maintaining high standards in the food processing and tourism sectors, ensuring the safety and quality of various processed food products.
Continued Education and Research:
Our dedication to food safety extends beyond academic programs. We offer specialized courses, such as the BSc (Hons) Food Hygiene and Environmental Health (Top-Up Programme), catering to in-service personnel like Health Inspectors. We are excited to announce the launch of our MSc program in Food Safety and Innovation, which focuses on cutting-edge regulations, risk assessment, and innovative food processing technologies.
Collaborating for Impact:
We actively engage with stakeholders, serving on committees related to food safety and collaborating with government agencies, private sector entities, civil society organizations, and the international community. Our involvement in research projects and consultancies allows us to contribute to evidence-based policies and host training workshops on food standards. Through these collaborations, we foster positive change and stronger relationships in promoting food safety across all sectors.
Inspiring the Next Generation:
To inspire a culture of food safety, we encourage students and the public at large to participate in events like the World Food Safety Day workshop. These platforms provide opportunities to share experiences, challenges, and solutions, fostering dialogue, and encouraging innovative thinking. By actively engaging in these discussions, networking, and building partnerships, we can collectively contribute to a safer and healthier food supply in our community.
Further insights were provided by Associate Professor Dinesh SURROOP, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Planning & Resources), who discussed the role of the University in the broader food science sector. Adding a global perspective, H.E. Mr. Vincent DEGERT, the Ambassador of the European Union to the Republic of Mauritius and the Republic of Seychelles, highlighted international aspects of food safety.
Ms. Celine LEMMEL, UN Resident Coordinator a.i., discussed global efforts to ensure food safety.
The workshop was a valuable reminder of the importance of food safety in public health and food security. It served as a platform to educate participants on the pivotal role each of us plays in maintaining and upholding food safety standards, in light of the alarming global statistics on foodborne diseases and deaths. The knowledge shared and insights gained from this event reinforced the crucial necessity of adhering to food safety practices and standards to safeguard our society's health and well-being.
No comments:
Post a Comment