World Food Safety Day was founded to raise awareness of how foodborne illnesses can be prevented, detected and managed, and recognises the importance of keeping food safe globally.

This year’s theme “From Burden to Solutions – Safe Food Everywhere,” emphasises the global burden of foodborne diseases and the science-based solutions that can prevent them.

Food is essential for wellbeing, and everyone should be able to access safe food no matter where they are. Our E&J colleagues work to ensure food safety, preventing diseases through vital checks at abattoirs, export sites and at our borders, which protect over 60 million consumers per year.

Here’s what our colleagues had to say about how their roles impact food safety…

“As Portal Official Veterinarians (POVs), we play a key role in safeguarding food safety by verifying that imported products of animal origin meet strict regulatory standards before entering the country. By carrying out detailed inspections of goods moving across the world, risk assessment, and working closely with port and inspection teams, our work helps prevent the introduction of animal diseases and ensures that food reaching consumers is safe and compliant.”​​​​​​​ – Furkan Akdag, Portal Official Veterinarian

“The UK has many vital processes in place, which make meat as safe as possible for consumers, with Meat Hygiene Inspectors playing an active part in this. I am responsible for inspecting white and red meat, examining this to identify any pathogens, residues or foodborne diseases, along with ensuring production quality. The work we do helps make sure food is safe from the early stages of production, protecting public health across the UK and beyond.” – Ahmet Aktas, Meat Hygiene Inspector

“I believe veterinary roles are crucial, ensuring high standards of animal welfare whilst protecting public health through disease control and food safety. As an Official Veterinarian, I see first-hand how our work upholds these responsibilities and contributes to the integrity of the entire food chain.” – Ismail Sahindokuyucu, Official Veterinarian

We are incredibly proud of the impact our colleagues have on food safety and continue to champion the vital work of professionals across the food industry.

Head to our Services page to find out more about the work we do.