World Food Safety Day - It was established by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2018

 

World Food Safety Day is celebrated annually on June 7th. It was established by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2018 to raise awareness about the importance of food safety and to promote measures to prevent, detect, and manage foodborne risks. The day emphasizes that food safety is essential to ensuring food security, human health, economic prosperity, agriculture, market access, tourism, and sustainable development.

Key Objectives of World Food Safety Day

1. Promote Awareness: Increase global understanding of food safety issues, including the potential hazards in food production, processing, distribution, and consumption.

2. Encourage Action: Urge governments, organizations, businesses, and individuals to take concrete steps to improve food safety, including implementing good practices in food handling, preparation, and storage.

3. Foster Collaboration: Highlight the importance of collaborative efforts among various sectors, including public health, agriculture, and trade, to enhance food safety standards worldwide.

4. Support Sustainable Development: Reinforce the role of safe food in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to zero hunger, good health and well-being, and responsible consumption and production.

Themes and Activities

Each year, World Food Safety Day has a specific theme to focus attention on different aspects of food safety. Activities and events organized globally include:

• Educational Campaigns: Workshops, webinars, and training sessions to educate the public and industry professionals on best practices in food safety.
• Policy Advocacy: Initiatives to influence and develop food safety policies and regulations at local, national, and international levels.
• Community Engagement: Public events such as food safety demonstrations, exhibitions, and outreach programs to engage communities in food safety practices.
• Media and Communication: Use of media platforms to disseminate information and raise awareness about the importance of food safety.

Importance of Food Safety

Food safety is crucial for protecting consumers from foodborne illnesses, which can range from mild to severe and sometimes even fatal. Ensuring food safety also helps to maintain the quality and nutritional value of food, boosts consumer confidence, and supports economic growth by facilitating trade and market access.

By observing World Food Safety Day, individuals and organizations worldwide can contribute to building a safer, healthier, and more sustainable food system for everyone.