Egypt has unveiled concrete measures to enhance its food system by launching the National Food and Nutrition Strategy (2023–2030), which aims to promote healthier eating habits and ensure sustainable food and health security, Minister of Health and Population Khaled Abdel Ghaffar announced. His remarks came on Tuesday evening during the opening session of the second edition of the Egyptian Global Forum for Food Safety, held in conjunction with World Food Safety Day under the theme "Food Safety – Scientific Applications." The event was attended by senior officials, including Deputy Health Minister Amr Qandil, Health Care Authority head Ahmed El-Sobky, as well as representatives from key ministries and institutions. Abdel Ghaffar noted that the forum serves as a vital platform for global experts and policymakers to collaborate, underscoring Egypt's commitment to improving food safety systems through scientific innovation and the adoption of digital monitoring tools at every stage of food production and handling. He also announced the formation of the National Committee on Food and Nutrition Systems, which aims to enhance intersectoral coordination, align policies and programmes, and finalise Egypt's National Action Plan for Food and Nutrition Systems (2025–2030). This plan has been shaped through workshops and consultations that included government agencies, academia, and civil society organisations. The minister reiterated that food safety is fundamental to public health and a shared responsibility that involves the government, the private sector, and civil society. He praised the National Food Safety Authority for its leading role and reaffirmed the ministry's commitment to supporting initiatives that ensure all Egyptians have access to safe and nutritious food. Tarek El-Houby, head of the National Food Safety Authority, highlighted the authority's ongoing public awareness campaigns that encourage safe food handling practices. He commended the effective collaboration between the Health Ministry and partner institutions, which, he said, has helped strengthen Egypt's regulatory and oversight framework. El-Houby further noted that global advances in food technology and innovation require science-based decision-making to maintain food safety and build a resilient health system. He stressed that food safety is not only critical to safeguarding public health but also serves as a cornerstone for building a secure and sustainable future for generations to come.
