7 June: World Food Safety Day – Ensuring Safe Food for a Healthy Tomorrow
About World Food Safety Day
Celebrated every year on 7 June, World Food Safety Day (WFSD) raises global awareness and inspires action to prevent, detect, and manage food-borne risks. The aim is to enhance food safety, protect public health, promote economic growth, support agriculture, improve market access, boost tourism, and foster sustainable development worldwide.
Theme for 2024
This year’s theme, “Safe food today for a healthy tomorrow”, highlights the immediate and long-term benefits of producing and consuming safe food. It underscores the vital links between human, animal, and plant health, the environment, and the economy—reminding us that food safety is essential for the well-being of current and future generations.
Significance and Global Observance
Food-borne diseases remain a significant global health challenge, affecting people of all ages—especially children under five and those in low-income countries. In response, the United Nations General Assembly designated 7 June as World Food Safety Day in 2018. The World Health Assembly further strengthened this commitment in 2020, calling for enhanced international efforts to improve food safety and reduce the burden of food-borne illnesses.
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations jointly lead the observance of World Food Safety Day, working closely with member states and partners to promote food safety awareness and best practices worldwide.
Shared Responsibility: Governments, Producers, and Consumers
Ensuring food safety is a collective responsibility. Governments, food producers, and consumers all play vital roles in making sure food is safe at every step—from farm to table. World Food Safety Day provides a platform for integrating food safety into public policy and encouraging global action to reduce food-borne illnesses.
Safe food is the foundation of good health, sustainable development, and economic progress. Everyone has a role to play in upholding food safety standards to protect public health and build trust in our food systems.
Why Food Safety Matters
- Protecting Public Health: Prevents illnesses caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, and harmful chemicals in food.
- Supporting Economic Prosperity: Safe food increases consumer confidence, promotes trade, and reduces healthcare costs.
- Encouraging Sustainable Agriculture: Responsible food safety practices help protect ecosystems and natural resources.
- Enhancing Food Security: Reduces food loss and waste by ensuring food remains safe and consumable.
Key Actions to Promote Food Safety
Improving food safety requires coordinated action across all sectors:
- Governments: Enforce robust food safety regulations, develop surveillance systems, and provide education and resources.
- Producers and Food Industry: Implement good agricultural and manufacturing practices, maintain hygiene, and ensure traceability.
- Consumers: Practice safe food handling, cooking, and storage at home to prevent contamination.
- International Collaboration: Share knowledge, harmonize standards, and support capacity-building in developing countries.
The Global Impact of Food-Borne Diseases
Food-borne diseases are a major public health issue worldwide. According to the WHO:
- Nearly 1 in 10 people globally fall ill each year after consuming contaminated food.
- About 420,000 people die annually due to food-borne illnesses.
- Children under five account for almost one-third of these deaths.
- Low- and middle-income countries bear the greatest burden due to weaker food safety systems.
Strengthening food safety can significantly reduce these numbers, improving global health and economic outcomes.
How You Can Participate
Everyone can help promote food safety through simple, everyday actions:
- Stay informed about safe food handling and hygiene.
- Advocate for stronger food safety policies in your community.
- Support local farmers and producers who follow safe practices.
- Share information and raise awareness on social media using #WorldFoodSafetyDay.
- Engage with organizations dedicated to improving food safety worldwide.
Visual Insights: Food Safety in Action
Explore these images to see food safety practices from around the world:
Further Resources
For more information on food safety and global initiatives, visit:
Conclusion
World Food Safety Day is a crucial reminder of the importance of safe food for everyone’s health and well-being. By embracing the theme “Safe food today for a healthy tomorrow”, we acknowledge that food safety requires ongoing commitment and collaboration at all levels—local, national, and global.
Through education, regulation, innovation, and partnership, we can reduce food-borne risks, strengthen food security, and support sustainable development. Let’s work together to ensure that the food we produce, distribute, and consume is safe, nutritious, and accessible for generations to come.