FOOD SAFETY AUTHORITIES WORKERS' DAY — JUNE 7, AS A PROFESSIONAL HOLIDAY

It is worth noting that under Paragraph 1 of the Regulations of the Food Safety Committee, approved by Resolution of the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan dated December 29, 2017, No. 595, the Food Safety Committee serves as the central executive body of state authority, executing specialized executive, regulatory, licensing, and other functions in the fields of veterinary medicine, phytosanitary control and plant quarantine, seed production, and livestock breeding. With a total workforce exceeding 2,500 personnel, the employees of the food safety authorities represent a major institutional body that daily ensures comprehensive food safety through regulatory oversight across these sectors, faithfully serving the health of society.The necessity of introducing this statutory amendment lies in the fact that designating June 7 as "Food Safety Authorities Workers' Day"—a date coinciding with World Food Safety Day—provides an avenue to raise public awareness regarding the consumption of safe food through various events, thereby safeguarding public health. Furthermore, it serves to motivate agency personnel who contribute significantly to guaranteeing safe food products for the population.Importantly, in December 2016, the 39th Session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission unanimously approved the proposal to establish World Food Safety Day as a permanent observance within the United Nations framework.Since 2019, World Food Safety Day has been observed internationally every year on June 7. The objective of this observance extends beyond addressing hunger in specific regions of the world; it promotes healthy lifestyles, draws attention to the prevention, detection, and management of foodborne risks, and contributes to food security, human health, economic prosperity, agriculture, market access, tourism, and sustainable development.Acknowledging the heavy burden of foodborne illnesses affecting people of all ages—particularly children under five and populations in low-income countries—the United Nations General Assembly declared in 2018 that June 7 would be commemorated annually as World Food Safety Day. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) promotes World Food Safety Day in collaboration with member states and relevant international organizations.Events marked on World Food Safety Day serve as a call to action for governments, decision-makers, the private sector, civil society, and UN agencies, fostering global awareness of food safety standards.Celebrating Food Safety Authorities Workers' Day alongside World Food Safety Day on June 7 presents an excellent opportunity to motivate and honor the hard work of professionals who ensure and protect the nation's food safety.We hold firm confidence that the annual commemoration of June 7 as "Food Safety Authorities Workers' Day" will inspire agency staff to enhance the efficiency and outcomes of their work. This will ensure they remain worthy of the trust reposed in them by the Founder of Peace and National Unity – Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan, His Excellency Emomali Rahmon, and the Government of the Republic, while making a worthy contribution to supplying the population with high-quality, safe food products and achieving one of the country’s core strategic goals—"Ensuring Food Security."

Rahmonalizoda Bahodur

Head of the Legal Support and Human Resources Department

Food Safety Committee under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan.