Damascus, July 4 (SANA)A conference marking World Food Safety Day 2026 focused on practical measures to enhance food safety systems in Syria, including improving quality management, enhancing supply chain traceability, expanding regulatory oversight and promoting the use of modern technologies.

The event, held in Damascus and organized by the Health and Environment Safety Association under the patronage of theMinistry of Agriculture, brought together government officials, academics and specialists in agriculture, food production, health, industry and quality management.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture Ayman Abdul Qader said the ministry is committed to strengthening Syria’s food safety system by developing national policies and aligning regulations with international standards.

He said the ministry oversees all stages of plant and animal production, including monitoring pesticide use, veterinary medicines and agricultural inputs, while working to introduce updated legislation and expand laboratory capacity to detect pesticide residues, chemical contaminants and mycotoxins.

Mohammad Mazen Al-Razz, head of the Health and Environment Safety Association, said the conference aims to reduce the burden of foodborne diseases by promoting stronger food safety practices and raising public awareness.

The conference also featured sessions on food supply chains, food legislation, food safety in restaurants and children’s food, as well as the role of nanotechnology in improving food safety and quality control.

World Food Safety Day is observed annually on June 7 under a joint initiative by the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO).F.J./M.Z.