The Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) has unveiled the ASSAf Food Safety Forum, a new national platform designed to tackle the growing threats to South Africa’s food system and safeguard public health.
Bringing together scientists, regulators, industry leaders, and civil society, the forum aims to close persistent gaps in food safety, drive evidence-based policymaking, and support practical solutions that protect consumers across the country.
Food safety remains a major public health concern in South Africa, where unsafe food can lead to widespread illness, undermine economic productivity, and deepen existing inequalities. The new forum seeks to address these challenges by promoting collaboration, generating scientific insights, and ensuring that decision-makers have timely and reliable guidance.
“Ensuring the safety of our food system is essential for the health and well-being of all South Africans,” said Prof Himla Soodyall, Executive Officer at ASSAf. “Through this forum, we aim to bring together expertise from across disciplines to identify risks, improve practices, and support policies that make our food safer—from farm to table.”
The ASSAf Food Safety Forum will convene workshops, policy dialogues, expert studies, and public engagement initiatives on issues including foodborne pathogens, nutrition-related safety risks, supply chain monitoring, and the growing influence of climate change on food security. It will also deepen partnerships with national and international organisations working to improve food system resilience.
With its multi-stakeholder design and strong scientific foundation, the forum is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping safer food production and distribution systems, boosting consumer confidence, and building a healthier, more resilient South Africa.