17/10/2017
WORLD FOOD DAY OCTOBER 16, 2017 STATEMENT
THEME: Change the future of migration-Invest in food security and rural development
Today, the 16th day of the month of October 2017 marks World Food Day. The Meat Inspectors Association of Zimbabwe joins the rest of the world in commemorating World Food Day.
This is a day where we also commemorate the founding of the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) in 1945. Proceedings are planned in many countries across the world. This day is set aside to promote worldwide awareness and action for those who suffer from hunger and for the need to ensure food security and nutritious diets for all.
World Food Day provide each and every institution and individual with an opportunity to pledge our support and commitment eradication of poverty and attainment of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2 – to achieve Zero Hunger by 2030.
Across the globe, every human being has the right to adequate and safe animal derived food. It is therefore imperative that we invest in sustainable food productions systems and rural development strategies which address some of the major global challenges which ranges from feeding the world’s growing population to protecting the global climate, and tackling some of the root causes of migration and displacement. We call upon all nations to endeavor to apply Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) and Good Hygiene Practices (GHPs) in production of food.
Animal derived foods being a valuable source of protein and part of a balanced diet for all races across the globe should be adequately available in a safe and wholesome nature.
Let us in our humble way contribute intellectually towards Investment in food security, safety and rural development by:
• Promoting the construction of slaughter houses in rural communities to facilitate slaughter of food animal and ensure safe and wholesome meat to the community.
• Disseminating information to livestock producers on diseases and conditions of importance to meat inspection that warrant condemnation of organs, carcasses and or portions thereof with an aim of remedial action to eliminate economic losses attributed to condemnations as well as increase food production throughput.
• Promote proper animal husbandry as advised by Animal Health Inspectors and Extension Workers so as to increase financial benefits derived from slaughter stock and reduce poverty in the rural communities which are currently major suppliers to the market.
• Encouraging extension of meat inspection services to rural and remote areas.
• Engaging in awareness programs in communities on the relevance of producing healthy livestock, hygienic slaughter of food animals, and hygienic preparation of animal derived foods, full utilization of meat and veterinary food inspection services and consumption of inspected and certified animal derived foods to ultimately increase productivity of the nation through a healthy workforce.
Happy World Food Day.
THE CHAIRMAN MR JG CHIMBO – MEAT INSPECTORS ASSOCIATION OF ZIMBABWE
