World Food Safety Day: Know Its History & Significance

New Delhi: World Food Safety Day is observed annually on June 7th. It aims to raise awareness about the importance of safe food practices and to highlight the global need for safe food. This international day is a collaborative effort between the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations.

History:

World Food Safety Day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2018 through a resolution. The resolution was proposed by the Kingdom of the Netherlands and was co-sponsored by a total of 44 countries. The day was officially designated to be observed annually on June 7th.

The establishment of World Food Safety Day highlights the increasing global concern regarding food safety and the need for collective action to address this issue. It recognizes that ensuring safe food practices is not only crucial for public health but also for sustainable development, food security, and international trade.

The first observance of World Food Safety Day took place on June 7, 2019, with the theme “Food Safety, Everyone’s Business.” The day aimed to raise awareness and promote actions to prevent, detect, and manage foodborne risks. It emphasized the shared responsibility of governments, producers and consumers in ensuring safe food practices throughout the food chain.

Since then, World Food Safety Day has been celebrated annually, focusing on different themes related to food safety. Each year, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) collaborate to develop key messages, organise events, and engage stakeholders worldwide to promote the importance of food safety.

Significance:

World Food Safety Day is to promote the prevention, detection, and management of foodborne diseases. It aims to emphasize the significance of safe food handling, storage and preparation to prevent illness and ensure the well-being of individuals and communities worldwide.

The observance of World Food Safety Day has contributed to increased awareness, knowledge sharing and advocacy for improved food safety practices globally. It has encouraged governments, food industries, civil society organisations, and individuals to prioritise food safety as a fundamental aspect of public health and sustainable development.