The two-day final event on the "Food Control System Evaluation Tool" concept, held in Baku, Azerbaijan, has concluded. Organized with the support of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), by the Food Safety Agency (AQTA) of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the event today finalized the High-Level Meeting on the Results of the Evaluation of the Food Control System. Prioritized areas, strategic measures, and future activities regarding the food control system were discussed during the meeting.

Participating in the High-Level Meeting were representatives from the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the National Assembly, the Food Safety Agency of Azerbaijan, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Azerbaijan Food Safety Institute (AQTİ), the State Customs Committee, the Medical Territorial Divisions Administration Union (TƏBİB), FAO, the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), and other relevant institutions.

During the meeting, AQTA President Goshgar Tahmazli emphasized the implementation of consecutive and purposeful measures towards the institutional formation of the country's food safety system. According to him, the undertaken initiatives have positively impacted the application of modern standards in the food industry sector, protection of consumer rights, and ensuring the safety of food products during the import-export process. He stated, "Moreover, the results of the control and regulatory measures implemented in the food chain during the past period have been analyzed. Approaches available in advanced international experience in ensuring the safety of food products have been studied and implemented. The current priority in establishing the food safety system is to fully comply with international requirements based on new challenges and raise the level of food safety to the highest standards. Corresponding measures are being taken in this direction."

Speaking at the event, Health Minister Teymur Musayev emphasized that ensuring the quality and safety of food prevents the spread of food-related diseases and protects the healthcare system from potential threats. "The role of food safety in safeguarding public health is crucial, and gradually this area is becoming a global public health issue," added Teymur Musayev.

According to the Minister, recent economic and ecological changes worldwide have led to the reactivation of food pathogens. "The use of safe food products in healthcare institutions is particularly important. Most patients are more vulnerable to microbiological and dietary risks than healthy individuals. Therefore, the proper establishment of food-related control measures is a matter of concern for the Ministry of Health".

"The effectiveness of the food safety system begins with a unified mission that addresses the needs of all stakeholders. One of the main priorities among the "National Priorities for Azerbaijan 2030: Social-Economic Development," approved by the relevant decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, on February 2, 2021, is to ensure citizens' healthy lifestyles. "The Social-Economic Development Strategy of the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2022-2026" identifies the promotion of healthy lifestyles for children and healthy nutrition as one of the main directions of activity to achieve the set goal. The Ministry of Health and the Food Safety Agency conduct various educational activities among the population, especially implementing joint initiatives to promote proper nutrition among schoolchildren," the health minister concluded.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Agriculture Majnun Mammadov emphasized that plant and animal health are always in the focus of the ministry's attention. According to him, all preventive measures are taken to obtain high-quality food products of animal origin, which contribute to the health of the population, especially in preventing certain diseases, at the initial stages of the food chain.

Latif Qasimov, Director of the Agricultural and Environmental Department of the Cabinet of Ministers, pointed out that the concept of "food" has undergone a radical transformation in recent years, becoming not only about food intake but also a significant factor in preserving health, psychophysical well-being, and preventing some diseases. "Food safety has become an important issue worldwide, leading to the creation of relevant institutions in this field. Significant steps have also been taken in Azerbaijan in this direction, resulting in notable achievements," he added.

The FAO representative in our country, Nasar Hayat, noted that the national food control system plays a significant role in safeguarding consumer health and ensuring fair practices in the trade of food products. He stated, "This system depends on specific conditions in each country, including the level of health, legal and institutional framework, and the availability of support services."

Subsequently, representatives of the Agency and FAO made presentations, discussions were held, and it was emphasized that the evaluation of the food control system would contribute to the improvement of this area in our country.

It should be noted that within the framework of the project "Tool for the Evaluation of the Food Control System," the evaluation conducted in our country resulted in the identification of 25 competencies of the ideal systems defined by FAO and WHO, which were found to be applicable. This indicates compliance with the standards and requirements established by international organizations for the existing food safety system.