June 7 marks a significant day in the global health calendar: World Food Safety Day.
This year, the theme "Food Safety: Prepare for the Unexpected" resonates with a universal truth – the safety of our food is not something to be taken for granted.
Food safety is a critical issue that affects everyone, from farm to table. The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes that over 200 diseases are caused by eating food contaminated with bacteria, viruses, parasites, or chemical substances. The impact of foodborne diseases is most severe among children under five, who carry 40% of the foodborne disease burden, despite making up only 9% of the global population.
The theme for World Food Safety Day 2024 encourages us to be vigilant and ready for any food safety incidents, which can range from mild to severe. These incidents can arise from various sources, such as accidents, inadequate controls, food fraud, or natural events. Being prepared means having robust systems in place to manage these risks effectively and minimize their impact on public health.
The WHO and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) have developed a communication toolkit to help spread awareness about the importance of food safety. They urge everyone to get involved, highlighting that food safety is a shared responsibility. Policymakers, food safety authorities, farmers, food business operators, and consumers all have roles to play in ensuring the food we consume is safe.
In light of World Food Safety Day, here are some practical tips to ensure food safety:
Always wash your hands before handling food and frequently during food preparation.
Separate raw meat, poultry, and seafood from other foods to prevent cross-contamination.
Cook food thoroughly, especially meat, poultry, eggs, and seafood.
Keep food at safe temperatures, either below 40°F (4.4°C) or above 135 °F (57°C), to prevent bacterial growth.
Use safe water and raw materials when preparing food.
This year's World Food Safety Day also brings attention to the importance of being prepared for unexpected events that can compromise food safety. It's a call to action for everyone to contribute to food safety, whether by following best practices in food production, storage, and handling, or by staying informed and vigilant about potential risks.
As we observe World Food Safety Day, let's remember that ensuring the safety of our food is not just about preventing illness – it's about sustaining life, promoting healthy lifestyles, and nurturing the future. By committing to food safety, we are investing in our health, our children's health, and the well-being of our planet. Let's make every day a food safety day
Just a reminder of our up-and-coming In-Person Training Workshop Course:
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