World Food Safety Day 2025
June 7, 2025
CAHFSA Marks World Food Safety Day 2025 with Strong Commitment to Regional Collaboration
June 7, 2025
CAHFSA Launches National Campaign with Restaurant Training in Suriname
Spice Quest Restaurant Leads the Way as Suriname Joins the World in Celebrating World Food Safety Day 2025
Paramaribo, June 7, 2025 – In celebration of World Food Safety Day, the Caribbean Agricultural Health and Food Safety Agency (CAHFSA) has launched a national campaign to strengthen food safety practices in Suriname’s restaurant sector. The initiative kicked off with a targeted training workshop on May 27, 2025, hosted at CAHFSA’s headquarters for the full team of Spice Quest Restaurant—marking a key first step in the campaign’s rollout
The one-day workshop, “Good Hygiene and Food Safety Basics for the Restaurant Industry,” was delivered by CAHFSA Food Safety Specialist Ms. Janelle Yarde-Blackman and brought the entire Spice Quest staff together for an intensive, hands-on session. The training focused on critical hygiene and food handling principles designed to prevent foodborne illness, protect public health, and elevate the standards of food service operations across Suriname.
“This is more than just a training—it’s the start of a sustained effort to build awareness and capability across the country’s hospitality sector,” said Ms. Yarde-Blackman. “When restaurant teams are equipped with proper knowledge, they become the frontline of defense in our collective effort to ensure food safety for all.”
A Practical Approach to Safer Dining
Held at CAHFSA’s facility in Paramaribo, the training covered a range of key topics tailored to restaurant operations:
- Core principles of food hygiene and their practical application.
- Identifying and managing critical control points during food preparation.
- Personal hygiene and its role in preventing contamination.
- Aligning practices with regional and international food safety standards.
The interactive format encouraged participants to connect new knowledge with their daily tasks, ensuring lessons learned could be immediately implemented at Spice Quest.
Suriname’s Culinary Future Starts with Safety
For Mr. Patrick Woei, Owner and Operator of Spice Quest, the training represents an investment in both customer well-being and the long-term success of Suriname’s vibrant culinary scene.
“Suriname is renowned for its culturally rich and flavorful cuisine. We are really blessed by the abundance of local ingredients—from wild-caught fish and shrimp to a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. But how can we be certain that the food we purchase and prepare is safe to eat?”
“Tourism is one of the fastest-growing sectors in Suriname,” Woei added. “However, cooking for a family is very different from preparing meals in large quantities for guests at a restaurant, resort, or hotel. Ensuring that every dish is safely and properly prepared is essential—not only for the health of our customers but also for the success and reputation of our businesses.”
“That’s why food safety education and proper cooking techniques are vital for building a responsible and sustainable future in the food and hospitality industry. The Spice Quest team is proud to partner with CAHFSA, a knowledgeable and experienced ally in this important mission.”
Toward a Resilient, Safer Food System
CAHFSA’s initiative is part of a broader regional strategy to improve food safety compliance across the Caribbean, particularly in light of increasing global attention on the risks and complexities of foodborne illnesses.
As the world marks World Food Safety Day 2025 under the theme “Food Safety: Prepare for the Unexpected,” the Suriname launch underscores the country’s commitment to meeting international standards and protecting its people, economy, and visitors alike.
Looking ahead, CAHFSA plans to expand its restaurant training programs throughout Suriname, working with partners in both the public and private sectors to ensure that food safety is a top priority in every kitchen.
About CAHFSA
The Caribbean Agricultural Health and Food Safety Agency (CAHFSA) works to enhance food safety, plant health, and animal health across the region through capacity-building, technical assistance, and policy coordination. CAHFSA is committed to strengthening national systems and empowering food handlers with the knowledge they need to protect public health and support sustainable agriculture and tourism.
