Safe and nutritious food plays an essential role in providing for the health and wellbeing of ‎people around the world, as well as supporting communities by driving economic ‎development and alleviating poverty. This is especially important during the COVID-19 ‎pandemic.‎

The special dietary foods industries are proud to provide people with the essential safe and ‎nutritious foods they need to live, grow and thrive, as well as support the Sustainable ‎Development Goals of zero hunger, good health and wellbeing through building partnerships ‎for food safety. The quality and safety of food products is, and remains, an absolute priority ‎for our industry.‎

During the current public health crisis, we have put all necessary measures in place to ensure ‎that our foods for special dietary use, such as infant formulas and foods for special medical ‎purposes (FSMPs), are available to provide for the specific nutritional requirements of those ‎that need them most. Furthermore, FSMPs and other nutrition interventions can be a lifeline ‎for COVID-19 patients, providing the essential nutrients they need to recover and thrive.‎

Since 1973, ISDI has supported the work of Codex Alimentarius to establish science-based ‎food standards, guidelines and codes of practice that ensure food safety and quality. As an ‎international organisation, we are committed to continue working with regulators, policy-‎makers and other stakeholders to improve the health and wellbeing of current and future ‎generations, and enhance food security. ‎

Our members around the world work together with national authorities to ensure safe and ‎nutritious foods are available for people with special dietary needs, providing support in ‎regulating food safety along the entire food chain and ensuring international standards are ‎met or even surpassed. Our industry goes further in supporting food security by using ‎sustainably managed and renewable resources, more efficient operations, waste ‎management and environmentally-friendly packaging. Moreover, ISDI members form ‎partnerships for sustainable food production and encourage their partners to adopt best ‎practices.‎

We welcome the third World Food Safety Day as an opportunity to recognise the people who ‎help keep our food safe and celebrate the role of safe and nutritious food in providing for the ‎health and wellbeing of people around the world.‎

Download the press release here and watch our videos below to see how science ensures food safety and the importance of food quality and safety in infant nutrition.