World Food Safety Day: The Importance of Ensuring Global Food Safety Standards

y year on June 7th, the world comes together to observe World Food Safety Day, a global initiative led by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. The day emphasizes the importance of food safety and highlights the role that safe food plays in ensuring good health and sustainable development.

Food safety is not just about preventing foodborne illnesses; it is a shared responsibility that affects every part of the food supply chain — from farm to table. Whether you're a farmer, processor, retailer, or consumer, food safety impacts us all.

Why Food Safety Matters

1. Protecting Public Health
   • Unsafe food containing harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites, or chemical substances causes more than 600 million cases of foodborne illnesses annually, according to WHO.
   • These illnesses can lead to serious health complications and even death, particularly among children under five, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals.
2. Economic Impact
   • Food safety issues can result in massive economic losses. Contaminated products often lead to recalls, lawsuits, and loss of consumer trust.
   • Developing countries, in particular, suffer disproportionately from the economic burden due to limited resources and regulatory infrastructure.
3. Boosting Trade and Market Access
   • Meeting international food safety standards opens up opportunities for global trade.
   • Countries with strong food safety regulations are better positioned to export their products, ensuring consumer confidence and economic growth.
4. Sustainable Food Systems
   • Safe food is essential for building resilient and sustainable food systems. It ensures that the food produced does not go to waste due to contamination and contributes to food security and nutrition.

Key Principles of Food Safety

1. Good Hygiene Practices (GHP): From washing hands to cleaning surfaces, basic hygiene is the first line of defense against food contamination.
2. Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP): A systematic approach used by food businesses to identify, evaluate, and control food safety hazards.
3. Food Traceability: Being able to trace food products through the supply chain ensures quick and effective responses to food safety issues.
4. Food Safety Regulations and Standards: Adhering to local and international guidelines (like Codex Alimentarius) helps standardize safety protocols.

How You Can Contribute to Food Safety

• Consumers:
  • Always check expiry dates and labels.
  • Store and cook food at safe temperatures.
  • Avoid cross-contamination between raw and cooked foods.
• Food Businesses:
  • Train staff on hygiene and food handling.
  • Implement food safety management systems.
  • Comply with regulatory inspections and certifications.
• Governments and Policymakers:
  • Enforce food safety laws and support education campaigns.
  • Invest in laboratory testing, surveillance, and risk assessment.
  • Foster international cooperation on food safety policies.