26 August 2026, US: The Central Organization for Standardization and Quality Control (COSQC), which hosts the Codex Contact Point for Iraq, organized a symposium in cooperation with Al-Sulaymaniyah Food & Dairy Production Co. Ltd. to celebrate World Food Safety Day 2026.
The event was attended by the representatives of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Iraq, the President of the Central Organization for Standardization and Quality Control, the Director General of the Administrative Technical Services Directorate, and the Director General of the Standardization Directorate. Representatives of government ministries, universities and other relevant institutions also participated in the symposium.
Held under this year’s theme “From burden to solutions: safe food everywhere,” the symposium highlighted the importance of using knowledge about the burden of foodborne disease to identify priorities and implement effective preventive measures. The 2026 campaign emphasizes that reliable health data can support evidence-based policies, coordinated action and informed decisions throughout the food chain.
Participants reflected on the human and economic consequences of foodborne disease and discussed how many cases can be prevented through greater awareness, compliance with good practices and the effective implementation of food safety measures.
The symposium also emphasized that food safety is a shared responsibility extending across the entire food chain, from primary production, processing, transport and storage to food preparation and consumption. Cooperation among public authorities, food businesses, technical institutions and consumers was identified as essential to building a healthier and safer future.
Technical sessions held during the event covered: the concept and fundamental principles of food safety; biological, chemical and physical food hazards and their relationship to foodborne disease; and practical methods and systems for ensuring food safety.
The discussions resulted in six key recommendations:
Strengthen epidemiological surveillance and foodborne disease monitoring systems;
Adopt a risk-based approach to food safety management and official controls;
Establish measurable performance indicators to assess progress and results.
Participants concluded that moving from burden estimates to solutions requires sustainable, evidence-based actions. Strengthened surveillance, effective risk management, capable laboratories and partnerships among all stakeholders were identified as essential to ensuring safe food for everyone.
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