Observed annually on June 7th, World Food Safety Day plays a pivotal role in raising awareness about the importance of food safety and promoting efforts to ensure that the food we consume is safe.
Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2018, this day underscores the global commitment to protecting consumers, reducing the burden of foodborne diseases, and enhancing the overall quality of food systems.
Each year, World Food Safety Day is observed with a specific theme that directs global activities and campaigns. The theme for this year is “Food Safety: Prepare for the Unexpected.”
According to the WHO, “This year’s theme highlights the significance of being prepared for food safety incidents, regardless of their severity.”
Significance of Food Safety
Food safety is a vital aspect of public health and an essential factor in ensuring global food security.
Consuming food that is contaminated with harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites, or chemical substances can result in a wide range of health issues.
Moreover, these contaminants have the potential to cause more than 200 different diseases, spanning from mild diarrheal illnesses to severe and life-threatening conditions such as cancers.
The WHO estimates that each year, around 600 million people become ill due to consuming contaminated food, leading to approximately 420,000 deaths.
Additionally, Foodborne illnesses disproportionately impact vulnerable populations, such as children, pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with underlying health conditions.
Activities to Promote Food Safety
A wide range of activities are conducted worldwide to promote food safety, including educational campaigns, workshops, and seminars.
These initiatives aim to enhance food safety practices across all stages of the food supply chain.
Furthermore, Governments, international organizations, and civil society groups collaborate to spread the message of food safety and implement measures to mitigate the risks associated with foodborne illnesses.
Through these collective efforts, they strive to ensure that food safety remains a top priority and to protect public health by reducing the incidence of foodborne diseases.
Global Participation and Social Media Campaigns
This digital activism is essential for raising awareness and driving action worldwide.
On World Food Safety Day, numerous international organizations expressed their views on social media platforms.
United Nations shared the merits of Food Security on social media: “Food safety can Prevent foodborne illnesses, promote healthy diets & lifestyles, Reduce food loss & waste.”
Additionally, the World Food Program called upon the wealthiest nations to take action to reduce food scarcity and insecurity globally.
“What should we expect from the world’s wealthiest nations? As leaders meet at G7 Italy, we call on all decision-makers to make food security a priority. A safe and secure world starts with food security.”
World Food Program Executive Cindy McCain while sharing her thoughts said, “Malnutrition impacts 50% of deaths in children under 5 years old globally. We must invest in solutions to protect the most vulnerable. At Rome Nutrition Week, I emphasized the urgent need for innovation to ensure everyone can access nutritious food. There is no time to waste.”
World Food Safety Day 2024 is a call to action for all stakeholders to prioritize food safety and work collaboratively towards a future where everyone has access to safe, nutritious food.
By addressing the challenges and leveraging the power of innovation and technology, we can make significant strides in reducing the burden of foodborne diseases and ensuring a healthier tomorrow.
Also Read: World Celebrates Global Day of Parents
Safe food is not a privilege but a fundamental human right, essential for achieving global health and well-being.
