Within the frameworks of the EU CBRN CoE Project 87 “Preparedness and Response for Mass Gatherings and other Health Threats in Central Asia” (PRECA), Kazakhstan team of Food safety experts, participants of PRECA project, organized a National training workshop on prevention of food poisoning during mass events on 26 and 27 October 2022. The training workshop was run by the Republican state enterprise on the right of economic management «National Centre of Expertise» of the Committee of Sanitary and Epidemiological Control of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

The training workshop was attended by observers (RWG members) of the PRECA partner-countries and Ms. Jackie Gibney, food safety expert of PRECA project.

The purpose of the training is to improve knowledge on food safety for further application in practice and the ability to manage hazards to prevent food poisoning.

The training was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan and specialists from the Department of Sanitary and Epidemiological Control and the National Center of Expertise of Almaty, the Department of Health and Education of Almaty, RPP "Atameken", independent associations of chefs of Kazakhstan and school meals, representatives of food objects.

The trainers of the National Center of Expertise covered the basics of food safety legislation in the European Union and Kazakhstan. Food poisoning prevention based on hazard analysis and risk assessment. Implementation of the best hygiene practices and principles of the HACCP system at food facilities.

A situational exercise was conducted with the simulation of the occurrence of mass food poisoning during a mass event. Representatives of business structures whose activities are related to the production of food products and catering facilities worked in the same team with inspectors and laboratory service. Together in a situational exercise, they investigated food poisoning, searched for the source and causes of mass poisoning. They discussed the burden on the healthcare system in the event of a simultaneous admission of a large number of victims, measures to prevent and eliminate food poisoning.

During the training, the participants were able to assess the importance of conducting such trainings and the need for interdepartmental interaction, proposals were received from independent food associations of Kazakhstan to conduct further joint activities on food safety issues.

International observers from PRECA partner-countries noted the high level of training. Trainers from Kazakhstan are invited to participate in international trainings that will be held in the countries of Central Asia.