The World Health Organization on Nov. 6 designated the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety as the global body's first collaborative center for emergency response to food safety. Shown is the Nov. 27 unveiling ceremony for the commemorative plaque at the ministry's headquarters in Heungdeok-gu District of Cheongju, Chungcheongbuk-do Province. (Ministry of Food and Drug Safety)

By Kim Seon Ah

The World Health Organization (WHO) has designated the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety as the world's first WHO Collaborating Centre for FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization)/ WHO INFOSAN (International Food Safety Authorities Network) in recognition of the ministry's leadership in cooperation in responses to food safety emergencies.

The ministry on Nov. 27 held an unveiling ceremony for the commemorative plaque on the first floor of its headquarters in Cheongju, Chungcheongbuk-do Province, following the designation on Nov. 6.

This designation is the world's first for such a WHO center. Over the past decade, the ministry has supported INFOSAN and served as a leader in cooperation in such responses, for which WHO granted recognition.

The center's roles are providing education and training for INFOSAN member countries to respond to food safety contingencies, technical support such as development of food security and economic resilience plans, and backing for global or regional meetings to enhance cooperation and network among such states.

The ministry said it expected its designation to raise global awareness of the nation's food safety system and response capacity and for the security of domestic cuisine to gain greater international trust.

sofiakim218@korea.kr