Chair

EZENWEANI, EMMANUEL CHIDI

MSc. Food and Industrial Microbiology

Federal University of Technology Owerri, Nigeria.

Mission

The GHI Food Safety Club’s aims to build strong understanding of food safety and related food issues among school children and young consumers. It promotes best practices in food hygiene, safe food handling, consumer awareness, and regulatory understanding. Through education and community engagement, the Club supports the broader  goals of the Global Harmonization Initiative by advancing food safety awareness, education, advocacy, harmonized practices, and strengthening grassroots consumer protection.

Objectives

The GHI Food Safety Club brings together students, educators, food industry professionals, and community stakeholders to strengthen food safety knowledge and promote food safety education and encourage responsible food practices. Its focus areas include:

The Club focuses on the following areas:

  • Food safety
  • Food hygiene and safe handling practices
  • Consumer education and awareness
  • Food labelling and regulatory  understanding
  • Prevention of food fraud
  • Youth engagement in food safety advocacy
  • Industry exposure and experiential learning
  • Celebration of World Food Safety Day
  • Academic and research-driven food safety initiatives

The Clubs work to:

  • Share key food safety messages with students and the wider community.
  • Provide a platform for promoting  good hygiene and safe food handling practices within schools.
  • Organize annual World Food Safety Day celebrations and activities to raise awareness.
  • Host Food Safety Quiz Competitions to encourage student learning and participation
  • Arrange and organize educational visits to food industries to demonstrate to students practical, real world food safety systems.
  • Support local agri-food entrepreneurs in understanding food labelling regulations and requirements and preventing food fraud.
  • Promote accountability among food business operators regarding food quality and safety.
  • Establish additional Food Safety Clubs in more educational institutions within the region and globally.
  • Bridge knowledge gaps between food producers and consumers (e.g., students can see, touch, ask, and explain real food system practices).
  • Advocate for stronger food safety legislation and regulatory enforcement.
  • Strengthen grassroots capacity building for ready-to-eat food vendors, chefs, street food sellers, slaughterhouse operators, and butchers.
  • Collaborate with Global Harmonization Initiative professionals to develop evidence-based food safety initiatives.
  • Encourage youth involvement and participation in research, innovation, and long-term food safety development.

Meetings

Club meetings are held periodically (weekly) throughout the year.
Special meetings and activities take place during major events such as World Food Safety Day, quiz competitions, and industry excursions.