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India is demonstrating its leadership in global efforts for food safety and nutrition, playing a pivotal role in fostering innovation and strengthening food safety systems. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) declared this year's slogan as
"Right to foods for a better life and a better future"
— a timely reminder of the ongoing challenges affecting our global food systems. With the need to balance modern technologies, sustainable practices, and dynamic agricultural and industrial ecosystems, the objective is clear: to provide safe, nutritious, and sustainable food for all.Rising Global Food Production and Persistent HungerAccording to the FAO, global food production reached unprecedented levels in 2023, with cereal production at 2,851 million tonnes, milk at 965.7 million tonnes, and oilseeds at 398 million tonnes. However, despite these impressive figures, the 2024 World Health Organization (WHO) report paints a sobering picture: 757 million people were undernourished in 2023, and over 2.33 billion faced moderate to severe food insecurity. Globally, more than 2.8 billion individuals could not afford a healthy diet, with 71.5% of those affected in low-income countries. This underscores the urgent need to not just increase food production but also to build resilient, equitable, and sustainable food systems.
India's Role in Food Safety: 2nd Global Food Regulator Summit 2024
India has been addressing these critical issues with an inclusive approach. The 2nd Global Food Regulator Summit 2024, hosted in New Delhi, brought together experts from over 70 countries. The summit focused on key topics such as pesticide residues, antimicrobial resistance, and fortification strategies to combat micronutrient deficiencies. In his message at the World Food India event 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the importance of focusing on food safety, quality, and standards, echoing the sentiment of global food safety leaders like Steve Warne, chairperson of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, who also participated in the summit.
Global Regulatory Shifts in Food Safety
Globally, countries are reshaping their regulatory frameworks to address emerging food safety challenges. The United States has separated food regulation from drugs and cosmetics, placing greater emphasis on food safety. The European Commission's "Farm to Fork" strategy integrates food safety, animal health, and sustainability. Similarly, African nations are adopting genetically modified (GM) crops to enhance food security, while Saudi Arabia is advancing regulations for biotechnology products as part of its Fourth Strategic Plan (2023-2027).In Asia, South Korea is working on regulatory standards for alternative protein foods, while Japan has approved genome-edited foods without mandatory labeling, marking a significant innovation in food production.
Conclusion
India’s leadership in global food safety efforts is setting the stage for sustainable food systems worldwide. The country's focus on innovation, safety standards, and nutritious diets reflects its commitment to addressing the multifaceted challenges facing the global food system. As countries continue to reshape their regulatory frameworks to enhance food safety, India's role in fostering inclusive, resilient, and sustainable practices positions it as a leader in the global conversation on food security and nutrition.