This year marks the fifth observance of World Food Safety Day. Every year on June 7, this day is observed globally. It is a yearly event that raises awareness of the vital role that food safety plays in safeguarding the health of people and communities around the world.
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Why is food safety important?
Significance of World Food Safety Day
World Food Safety Day 2023: Theme
Various events & celebrations of the day
Why is food safety important?
Food plays a crucial role in human life since it gives us the nutrients we need for survival, growth, and general well-being. It gives our bodies energy, boosts our immune systems, and makes it possible for us to go about our daily lives. But everyone is vulnerable to the effects of consuming contaminated food, regardless of age, origins, or geographic area. Hence, the significance of food safety extends far beyond avoiding temporary discomfort; it encompasses the prevention of food-borne illnesses, protection of vulnerable populations, promotion of sustainable development, and overall enhancement of quality of life. In order to promote a healthier and safer world, it is crucial that everyone understands the significance of food safety. Apart from having detrimental effects on one’s health, food safety issues can result in financial losses, decreased productivity, and detrimental effects on trade and tourism. Countries may safeguard their agricultural and food industries, boost consumer confidence, and promote economic growth by investing in food safety measures. Additionally, safe food habits assist the sustainability of our planet by lowering food waste, conserving resources, and preventing environmental deterioration. A serious global public health concern is posed by food-borne illnesses. Food that has been contaminated may include dangerous germs, viruses, parasites, or chemicals that can cause serious diseases, hospital stays, and in rare circumstances, even death. Food-borne illness risk can be considerably decreased by using proper handling, storage, preparation, and cooking methods to ensure food safety. We can stop the spread of illnesses, safeguard people’s health, and lessen the strain on healthcare systems by putting a priority on food safety.
Significance of World Food Safety Day:
The idea of World Food Safety Day is to increase public awareness of the consequences of consuming unsafe foods and to emphasize the importance of taking thorough food safety precautions. It provides a chance to raise public awareness of the possible risks posed by contaminated food and to highlight the contribution of many stakeholders to the production, processing, distribution, and consumption of safe food. World Food Safety Day holds immense significance in promoting and prioritizing food safety on a global scale. Here are some key reasons why this observance is of utmost importance:
Education and Awareness: World Food Safety Day helps people, communities, and other stakeholders understand the value of safe food practices. It offers a platform for educating the public about the possible dangers of consuming contaminated food and equips them with the information they need to make wise decisions.
Food-borne diseases prevention: A variety of food-borne infections can result from unsafe food, posing serious health hazards and even mortality. The goal of World Food Safety Day is to raise awareness of the importance of implementing strong food safety measures, including hygienic handling, storage, cooking, and eating habits.
Global Public Health: Food safety is a crucial component of public health on a global scale. By making sure that food is safe to eat, we can lessen the likelihood of food-borne infections, ease the strain on healthcare systems, and enhance community health and well-being in general.
Sustainable Development: Food safety is directly related to sustainable development objectives, such as eliminating poverty, fostering sustainable agriculture, and guaranteeing food security. We can contribute to the sustainability of our food systems, prevent food waste, and safeguard the environment by putting in place efficient food safety procedures.
Collaboration and Partnerships: To improve food safety systems around the world, World Food Safety Day promotes partnerships and collaboration between governments, groups, companies, and consumers. It encourages collaboration, knowledge exchange, and the sharing of best practices to advance international efforts to ensure the safety of food.
World Food Safety Day, in general, acts as a reminder of the crucial significance of food safety for individuals, communities, and societies at large. It demands coordinated efforts to prioritize food safety, stop food-borne illnesses, safeguard the public’s health, and advance resilient and sustainable food systems.
World Food Safety Day 2023: Theme
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that each day, 16 lakh people become ill from eating hazardous food, and 200 diseases are created as a result of unsafe food practices. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United States has so declared “Food Standards Save Lives” as the theme for this year’s World Food Safety Day in an effort to address the problem.
Standards serve as guidelines and benchmarks that establish requirements and expectations for food safety practices. They provide a framework for ensuring consistency, reliability, and quality in food production, processing, handling, and distribution. The theme emphasizes the pivotal role of standards in safeguarding public health and preventing food-borne illnesses. By establishing and enforcing robust food safety standards, we can protect lives, enhance consumer confidence, facilitate international trade, and drive continuous improvement in food safety practices.
Various events and celebrations of the day
Various events and activities are held across the world to mark World Food Safety Day with the goals of increasing awareness, advancing education, and inspiring action to improve food safety. Some common events and celebrations are the organisation of international conferences and workshops by government agencies, international organizations, and academic institutions etc. to provide a platform for knowledge sharing, discussions on current food safety issues, and the exchange of best practices. Apart from these, various awareness campaigns, seminars, webinars, competitions and contests are being organized at national, regional, and local levels to educate the public about the importance of food safety.
In conclusion, World Food Safety Day serves as a potent reminder of the critical role that safe food practices play in promoting economic growth, environmental sustainability, and public health. Governments, business leaders, and consumers all need to actively participate in this common responsibility. We can work toward a future where everyone has access to healthy food by putting a priority on food safety, enacting strict laws, increasing awareness, and embracing technology. Let’s get together on this World Food Safety Day and pledge to work toward a sustainable and safe food supply chain for the benefit of both the present and the next generation.
