Health Promotes Food & Nutrition Awareness on World Food Safety Day

By Jeannie Penehuro/

Apia, SAMOA – 30 June 2026 – The Ministry of Health has called for a collective effort to keep food safe and maintain good quality to protect people’s health, supports trade, and help the country grow sustainably.

This week, Samoa is celebrating World Food Safety Day.

The Ministry of Health is partnering with government groups, international organizations like FAO (Food Agriculture Organisation) and WHO (World Health Organisation), and the Food Safety and Nutrition Committee to improve the country’s food systems.

This year’s theme is Food Safety: From Burden to Solutions.

The Health sector explains that the goal is to remind people how important food safety is and encourage the public to think about it in daily life, at work, and in food businesses.

The Ministry of Health says that the celebration’s main activity is to teach the community about safe food handling and good nutrition.

Special lessons will be given to schools to help students learn about proper food safety and healthy eating.

The Health sector activities will also focus on making sure food importers follow the rules, especially when it comes to food standards and banning the marketing of infant formula to protect young children.

The Ministry of Health hopes to create a culture of safety and awareness with these key goals:

• Teach food business owners about the WHO 5 Keys to Safer Food, giving simple tips to prevent food- related illnesses.
• Provide clear information about food laws, especially for imported food and the restrictions on marketing breastmilk substitutes like infant formula.
• Host an annual awards event to recognize schools that do well in food safety and nutrition.
• Get the Community Involved: Organize a fun run and walk event to encourage physical activity and raise awareness about healthy living.

Through these activities, Samoa hopes to create a safer and healthier food environment for everyone.

The Ministry of Health emphasizes that food safety is a team effort where individuals, families, and the community all play a part.

The Samoans shifting diet from locally available natural to imported foods is playing a major part in the rapid and high increase of people suffering from non- communicable diseases such as high blood pressure, gout, diabetes and kidney failure affecting even teenagers undergoing renal treatment and putting a strain on  medical resources.