On every 7th of June, the world food safety day is observed. Today is world food safety day. Let us know why this day is claimed as world food safety day, what is the importance of food safety in today’s times, measures one can take to save food, awareness regarding food safety and what the history behind it is.
History behind World Food Day
On the 7th June 2018, the United Nations general assembly proclaimed 7th June as the world food safety day. Efforts are being made to control foodborne diseases around the world and assuring food safety worldwide. The assembly passed the resolution to strengthen the effects for food safety around the world. Also focused on the issue of food-borne diseases.
Many reports state that unsafe food has resulted in the loss of millions of lives. A report by WHO updated on April 2020, states that an estimated 600 million – almost 1 in 10 people in the world – fall ill after eating contaminated food and 420 000 die every year, resulting in the loss of 33 million healthy life years (DALYs).
To counter this, awareness about food safety is necessary. Several organizations have taken initiatives for affected ones and reducing the impact of unsafe foods.
The theme for 2021 on world safety day 2021
From the initial year, the World Health Organization (WHO) decides the theme for world safety day every year. This year’s theme also focuses on food safety. The tagline can be explained as “Safe food today for healthy tomorrow”. This theme focuses on the long-term benefits of healthy food and the reduction in the reach of foodborne diseases. The initiative is truly beneficial for the well-being of humans on this planet.
Why food safety is important?
As per WHO, a lot of people get affected by unsafe food. UN reports tell us that about 420000 humans lose their lives due to unsafe food. These are only reported cases in rural areas, the unofficial number can be more than that and the numbers are shocking enough.
The rural areas have more numbers of the affected people. The reasons can be lack of awareness about food safety, the lack of food and water, and much more. A lot of rural areas don’t have schools and toilets too. Hygiene awareness is necessary to deal with food contamination. The unhygienic practices spread foodborne diseases.
Food safety is important for every human on this planet. Safe and healthy food increases life expectancy while unsafe food kills humans. The unsafe food ruins the life of the children who get affected by it. Severe disorders can occur from unknown foodborne viruses and bacterias.
Not only the normal people but the food items production companies should be regulated for the content used. The quality control units should strictly ensure the safety of the food.
Even those who are following hygiene and good practices can get affected by the foodborne bacteria’s. So becomes necessary to stop this and maintain food safety to save lives.
Measures everyone can take to ensure food safety:
Hygiene
Hygiene is the first thing that comes when it comes to food safety. Those who handle the food should maintain hygiene. Everyone should understand that the hands we use for cooking and eating should be washed thoroughly. The water we use should be clean and safe. Also, the utensils used for the storage of food and water should be clean and washed from time to time.
Check expiry dates of the products
The food packages that we consume should be checked for the expiry dates before opening. Expired food products often cause food poisoning. And this can lead to severe conditions.
Awareness
Sometimes the product gets banned due to the unsafe content used in food, still unaware people use the product from unauthorized shops. Such malpractices by the shops should be reported to the local food administration to prevent further consequences. Adulteration is another factor that is important in food safety. Especially in rural areas, local administrative bodies should take action over such malpractices. And also they should create awareness about food safety and such malpractices in the rural areas.
Hopefully, various organizations, NGO’S and nonprofit bodies are working for awareness about food safety. Remember the theme of the world food safety day 2021, “Safe food today for healthy tomorrow“.
