In a significant move to protect public health, the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) has launched the ASSAf Food Safety Forum, a multi-stakeholder platform aimed at strengthening the safety and integrity of South Africa’s food system. The forum brings together scientists, policymakers, business, and civil society to address emerging challenges in food safety, promote evidence-based policies, and enhance public health outcomes.

Food safety is a critical component of public health, with unsafe food contributing to widespread illness, economic losses, and social inequality. By creating a platform for collaboration and knowledge sharing, the ASSAf Food Safety Forum will facilitate research-driven solutions and provide guidance to decision-makers at local, provincial, and national levels.

“Ensuring the safety of our food system is essential for the health and well-being of all South Africans,” said Prof Himla Soodyall, Executive Officer, ASSAf. “Through this forum, we aim to bring together expertise from across disciplines to identify risks, improve practices, and support policies that make our food safer from farm to table.”

The forum will host workshops, policy dialogues, and public engagement initiatives, focusing on key issues such as foodborne pathogens, nutrition safety, supply chain monitoring, and the impact of climate change on food security. It will also explore partnerships with like-minded bodies to reduce risks and enhance consumer confidence in South African food products.

By strengthening collaboration among stakeholders and advancing science-based interventions, ASSAf’s Food Safety Forum seeks to contribute to a safer, healthier, and more resilient food system nationwide.