The Global Food Regulators Summit (GFRS) 2025 was inaugurated in New Delhi from September 26 to 27. This event, organized by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, runs alongside World Food India 2025. The summit is all about evolving food systems and fostering global collaboration to enhance food safety standards.
Theme for GFRS
The theme, “Evolving Food Systems Yatha Annam Tatha Manah,” highlights the connection between food quality and our mental, physical, and social well-being. It acknowledges that food plays a crucial role in shaping our health and society. The summit aims to create a space for global regulators to align standards, improve risk assessment, and delve into technological advancements in food safety. The ultimate goal is to safeguard consumer health, encourage fair trade, and support sustainable food systems.
Role of FSSAI and Indian Leadership
The pivotal role of FSSAI and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in advancing food safety standards in India and contributing significantly to global progress in this critical area. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare advocates for a comprehensive approach to food safety. Regulators are encouraged to stay vigilant about changing food habits and market trends. It’s vital to update food safety standards and regulations to tackle new challenges and innovations effectively.
Summit Structure and Participation
The Global Food Regulators Summit 2025 will feature a diverse range of activities including keynote addresses by international organizations and scientists, technical and plenary sessions with food regulators, interactive sessions with national and international stakeholders and bilateral and multilateral meetings to address current and emerging challenges. The Summit will provide opportunities for knowledge exchange and development of harmonized approaches to food safety. The Summit’s architecture is structured around eight inter-connected plenary sessions, complemented by high-level parallel conclaves, reflecting the forward-looking aspects of food safety regulation.
Significance of ‘Eat Right Thali’ Initiative
The Summit will also see the unveiling of the ‘Eat Right Thali’ book, a significant initiative by FSSAI celebrating India’s diverse culinary heritage and balanced diets. The book showcases traditional thalis from all states, with each thali reflecting local ingredients, cooking practices, and age-old dietary wisdom, offering balance and variety. Aligned with Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s call, it highlights traditional diets as a tool against obesity and lifestyle diseases. This compilation is both a cultural tribute and a guide to preventive health through mindful, indigenous eating.
Global Impact and Future Prospects
The Global Food Regulators Summit 2025 is set to be the third edition of this important event organized by FSSAI. Building on the achievements of the previous two summits, FSSAI has successfully established India as a key player in global food safety discussions and initiatives. This Summit unites the efforts of various ministries, international organizations like WHO, Codex, FAO, and EFSA, as well as national stakeholders and research institutions, creating a strong network for innovation, regulatory alignment, and capacity building in food safety. With the enthusiastic involvement of international experts and organizations, GFRS has become a distinctive global platform where regulators, scientists, policymakers, and stakeholders come together to explore ways to develop safer, more resilient, and inclusive food systems around the world.
