A round table on “Food Safety: Current Situation, Challenges and Prospects” was held at Mingachevir State University. The event was attended by the Head of the Department of Natural Sciences, Taranə Yusibova, as well as faculty members, master’s students, and undergraduate students. The main objective of the round table was to strengthen the integration of theoretical knowledge with practical experience in the field of food safety, discuss current challenges, and identify future prospects.

Within the framework of the event, presentations covering both academic and applied aspects of the field were delivered. The speakers emphasized that nutrition is one of the key determinants of human health and elaborated on ways to establish an environmentally friendly and safe diet. In addition, attention was drawn to the impact of foodborne toxins on the human body, particularly on the central nervous system, their long-term consequences, and the importance of preventive measures.

Practice-based presentations highlighted the role of laboratory analyses in ensuring food safety, microbiological control mechanisms, and modern approaches to pest management. Furthermore, discussions addressed the implementation of international food safety standards, the organization of environmentally friendly food production, and the use of innovative technologies in agriculture, including drone-based monitoring systems.

The presentations also focused on the potential impact of heavy metals and other contaminants entering the food chain on human health and the gene pool, as well as mechanisms for assessing and managing these risks. It was noted that strengthening public awareness, promoting responsible consumer behavior, and improving quality control systems are essential for reducing risks in the field of food safety.

During the discussions held with the participation of the department leadership and faculty members, key issues such as developing human resources based on modern laboratory practices, enhancing students’ practical skills in their field of study, and expanding cooperation with relevant government institutions and laboratories were brought to the forefront. Additionally, the importance of advancing research in areas such as environmental monitoring, neurotoxicology, and digital tracking of food safety was emphasized.

The round table was highly appreciated by the participants, and it was recommended to incorporate the presented scientific approaches and practical outcomes into the educational process, including lectures and course projects.