Saira Iftikhar, Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) UN Global Nutrition Champion, emphasized the critical connection between food safety and public health during a panel discussion at the College of Tourism and Hotel Management (COTHM) titled “Transforming Pakistan’s Food Safety to Meet International Standards.”

Addressing students, industry professionals, and food sector stakeholders, Saira Iftikhar shed light on how safe food systems directly influence the health and well-being of communities. She noted that strengthening food safety standards is essential not only for the food industry but also for national health outcomes.

“Safe food is directly linked to healthier communities. Improving food safety standards is not only an industry priority but also a national health responsibility,” she said.

During the discussion, she highlighted the importance of nutrition awareness, responsible food handling practices, and collaborative efforts between policymakers, industry leaders, and educational institutions. According to her, sustainable improvements in food safety require both strong policies and widespread awareness among food producers and consumers.

The panel brought together experts from international organizations, regulatory bodies, and the food industry to explore ways of strengthening Pakistan’s food safety framework and aligning it with global standards.

At the conclusion of the session, Founder, President and CEO of COTHM, Ahmad Shafiq, presented Saira Iftikhar with a certificate of appreciation in recognition of her valuable time and the meaningful insights she shared on nutrition, food safety, and public health.