21 May 2026, Rome: In 2002, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) of the Republic of Korea designated 14 May as Food Safety Day, and has celebrated the Day every year since to raise public awareness and understanding of food safety and to build social consensus on its importance.
Marking its 25th celebration this year, the commemorative ceremony brought together approximately 300 participants from the food industry, consumer organizations, academia, and related sectors to reaffirm the importance of food safety and share future policy directions.
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Hilde Kruse, Senior Food Standards Officer of the Codex Alimentarius Commission Secretariat, emphasized in her congratulatory remarks that science-based standards and international cooperation are essential to addressing transboundary food safety challenges arising from climate change, supply chain disruptions, and emerging technologies. She also highly commended the Republic of Korea’s leadership in the Codex Task Force on Antimicrobial Resistance (TFAMR), the successful hosting of the 4th Asia-Pacific Food Regulatory Authority Summit (APFRAS), and its role as host country of the Codex Committee on Processed Fruits and Vegetables (CCPFV), expressing expectations for continued close collaboration with the Republic of Korea.
Meanwhile, a large-scale food safety promotion exhibition consisting of 33 booths jointly organized by the government, industry, and related institutions was held at Seoul Plaza under the key themes of “Limitless Safety,” “Innovation,” “Next Growth,” and “Everyday.”
The exhibition showcased the Republic of Korea’s comprehensive food safety management policies, including the Food Traceability System and the Hazardous Food Sales Blocking System, as well as digital safety innovation initiatives such as the AI-based Imported Food Electronic Screening System 24 (Safe-i24) and food information services provided by means of QR code labels (food QR services). In addition, the exhibition introduced major “K-Food” (Korean food) export products and consumer-oriented food safety policies closely related to daily life, including certified safe food establishments and sodium and sugar reduction initiatives.
Minister Oh Yu-Kyoung stated, “Food safety is the foundation of public health and a value that must be built together by the government, industry, and consumers.” She added, “MFDS will continue to strengthen a smart food safety management system based on AI and digital technologies by connecting the values of safety, innovation, growth, and everyday life, while enhancing the global competitiveness of K-Food to create a food safety environment in which everyone can feel safe and reassured.”
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