Each year on 7 June, World Food Safety Day raises global awareness of foodborne risks and encourages action to prevent, detect, and manage them.
To mark World Food Safety Day 2026, FCI4Africa will join three fellow EU-funded food systems research projects for a virtual symposium on 8 July 2026, from 11:00 to 13:35 GMT+1.
Under the theme “From Burden to Solutions – Safe Food Everywhere,” the symposium will bring together progress, knowledge, and practical solutions from across the participating projects, while exploring how research and innovation can help address food safety challenges and contribute to safer food systems across Africa.
The event is jointly organised by four Horizon Europe projects:
- Food Safety for Africa (FS4Africa)
- Fair Food and Trade Systems for Africa (FCI4Africa)
- Upscaling Innovations in Food Safety in Africa (UP-RISE)
- Healthy Diets for All in Africa (HD4A)
Together, the four projects are working to strengthen food safety systems, reduce the burden of foodborne diseases, and support safer, healthier, and more sustainable food systems across the African continent.
The symposium will also provide an opportunity for researchers, policymakers, regulatory authorities, development partners, civil society organisations, food industry representatives, students, and early-career professionals to connect and exchange knowledge.
Through presentations, discussions, and the sharing of project solutions, the event aims to encourage collaboration among stakeholders working to improve food safety and expand access to safe food in Africa and beyond.
Rationale
Foodborne diseases remain a critical public health and economic challenge in sub-Saharan Africa, affecting millions of people annually, disproportionately impacting vulnerable populations, and undermining agricultural productivity and trade. Despite growing scientific knowledge, a persistent gap remains between research findings and scalable, context- appropriate food safety solutions. This symposium provides a timely platform to bridge that gap — showcasing concrete innovations, enabling peer learning, and mobilizing stakeholders across research, policy, and practice to accelerate impact.
Symposium objectives
The symposium aims to:
- Celebrate World Food Safety Day 2026 and reaffirm a shared commitment to transforming food safety systems in Africa.
- Showcase innovative tools, solutions, and approaches developed by the four partner projects to address the burden of foodborne diseases.
- Highlight the contribution of third-party partners and Open Call awardees to the advancement of food safety innovation.
- Encourage dialogue among researchers, policymakers, development partners, and practitioners on how promising solutions can be scaled.
- Launch a new podcast and vidcast series designed to sustain public and professional engagement around food systems and food safety.
Expected outcomes
The event is expected to contribute to:
- Greater visibility for practical and actionable food safety solutions developed through EU-funded projects in Africa.
- Stronger connections among researchers, innovators, policymakers, and other food systems stakeholders.
- New commitments and a shared call to action to accelerate access to safe food across Sub-Saharan Africa.
- The successful launch of a podcast series supporting continued communication and dialogue around food safety.
Join us online on 8 July 2026 and become part of the conversation on advancing safe food for everyone, everywhere.
