Safeguarding every bite: The crucial role of World Food Safety Day

Time of India

08-06-2025

Dr (Prof) Sadhana Kala is a USA-trained robotic & laparoscopic surgeon, Uppsala University, Sweden, trained fertility specialist, and 'National Icon Endoscopic Surgeon' of India. University topper and winner of several gold and silver medals and Certificates of Honor and the unique 'Distinction' in medicine in medical college, she is the youngest-ever Professor in any medical college anywhere, and the only-ever gynec Hon Consultant to the Army, Navy and Air Force. FORMER: President Family Welfare Foundation of India (now closed) one of the few UN -accredited NGO since 1997; Member of Central Consumer Protection Council, Government of India, the apex national advisory body on consumer affairs; Advisor, Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India; Member, Advisory Committee, MTNL (Delhi). Awardee of C L Jhaveri and P N Behl Awards of Indian Medical Association for professional excellence. Chief emeritus and currently Sr Consultant gynecologist and laparoscopic surgeon, Moolchan Medcity and Apollo Cradle Hospitals, New Delhi. She is a published-writer on varied topics. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sadhana.kala.5/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrSadhanaKala She also writes at www.drsadhanakala.com LESS ... MORE
Every year on June 7th, the global community observes World Food Safety Day, a United Nations initiative aimed at raising awareness about the importance of food safety and inspiring action to prevent, detect, and manage foodborne risks. With the theme for 2025 being 'Food Safety: Prepare for the Unexpected,' this year's commemoration focuses on enhancing the resilience of food safety systems in the face of emergencies, whether caused by natural disasters, economic crises, or global pandemics.
World Food Safety Day, established in 2018 by the United Nations General Assembly and led jointly by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), underscores that food safety is everyone's business—from farm to fork. With 600 million cases of foodborne illnesses annually, the stakes are high. This article delves into the significance of World Food Safety Day, the current global challenges, and the shared responsibility in ensuring that the food we eat is safe.
The Global Burden of Unsafe Food
Unsafe food is a silent epidemic. According to WHO, 1 in 10 people worldwide fall ill after consuming contaminated food, and an estimated 420,000 die every year. The most vulnerable are children under five, who account for 40% of the foodborne disease burden, resulting in 125,000 deaths annually.
Foodborne illnesses can be caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, or chemical substances entering the food chain. Common culprits include Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria, and noroviruses. In low- and middle-income countries, poor infrastructure, lack of awareness, and weak regulatory systems often exacerbate the problem, turning preventable health risks into deadly threats.
But food safety is not only a health issue—it is an economic and social one. Unsafe food restricts global trade, reduces productivity, and places a burden on healthcare systems. The World Bank estimates that foodborne illnesses cost low- and middle-income economies around $95 billion a year in lost productivity.
Why Food Safety Matters More Than Ever
In an increasingly globalized food system, ingredients and final products cross multiple borders before reaching consumers. A fruit snack made in one country might contain nuts from another, sweeteners from a third, and be packaged in a fourth. This global complexity, while economically efficient, introduces many opportunities for contamination or error.
Furthermore, climate change has intensified the challenge. Rising temperatures and shifting weather patterns can promote the spread of foodborne pathogens and mycotoxins. Insects, pests, and fungal diseases are also on the rise, threatening the integrity of crops and food supply chains.
The COVID-19 pandemic was another stark reminder of the vulnerability of food systems. Though not a foodborne virus, the pandemic disrupted food processing, transport, and retail systems. It highlighted the importance of emergency preparedness, supply chain traceability, and public communication during health crises—all crucial themes for this year's observance.
2025 Theme: 'Food Safety: Prepare for the Unexpected'
The 2025 theme highlights the need for resilient food safety systems that can withstand unexpected challenges, including natural disasters, pandemics, cyberattacks, and supply chain disruptions.
Emergencies can disrupt food production and inspection processes, compromise cold chains, and overwhelm regulatory agencies, potentially leading to significant food safety issues. Whether it's a power outage that spoils stored meat or a flood contaminating water sources used in irrigation, being prepared is key.
Governments and businesses are encouraged to invest in:
Risk-based inspection systems
Data-sharing platforms for real-time alerts
Public education campaigns
Robust traceability systems
Contingency planning and crisis simulations
As the FAO aptly puts it: 'Safe food allows for the uptake of nutrients and promotes long-term human development.' Preparedness ensures that this fundamental right is not interrupted, even in times of crisis.
The Five Keys to Safer Food
The WHO promotes a set of practical principles known as the 'Five Keys to Safer Food', which are crucial for food handlers at every level—from household kitchens to commercial processors:
Keep Clean:
Wash hands, surfaces, and equipment frequently. Separate Raw and Cooked Foods:
Prevent cross-contamination by using separate utensils and storage. Cook Thoroughly:
Ensure the food reaches a safe internal temperature. Keep Food at Safe Temperatures:
Avoid the 'danger zone' (4°C–60°C) where bacteria multiply rapidly. Use Safe Water and Raw Materials:
Select fresh, wholesome ingredients and ensure the quality of the water used.
These five principles are deceptively simple, yet their consistent application can prevent many foodborne illnesses worldwide.
Food Safety Across the Supply Chain
Farmers and Producers:
Food safety starts at the source. Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), pesticide management, clean water for irrigation, and animal health monitoring all contribute to the production of safe food and livestock. Processors and Manufacturers:
The food industry must implement Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) systems to identify potential risks and take preventative measures. Distributors and Retailers:
Maintaining a cold chain, proper labeling, and ensuring hygiene in storage areas are essential for preserving food safety. Consumers:
From washing produce to storing leftovers properly, individuals have a role to play. World Food Safety Day serves as a call to action for all to be informed and vigilant.
Food Safety and the Sustainable Development Goals
Food safety intersects directly with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
SDG 2: Zero Hunger – Access to safe food is a key component of food security.
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – Reducing foodborne illnesses contributes to better public health.
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Promotes sustainable food practices across the supply chain.
SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
– Achieving food safety requires cooperation among nations, sectors, and communities.
Without safe food, no country can achieve food security or improved nutrition, essential pillars of sustainable development.
Innovations in Food Safety
As the world grapples with new challenges, technology is playing an increasingly pivotal role in enhancing food safety:
Blockchain allows transparent tracking of food items from origin to shelf, enabling faster recalls when issues arise.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning help predict contamination patterns and optimize inspection processes.
Biosensors and innovative packaging provide real-time monitoring of spoilage or bacterial presence.
Drones and satellite imaging
help monitor agricultural practices and ensure water safety.
These innovations, while not a substitute for regulation or training, offer exciting tools to augment our food safety systems.
Shared Responsibility: A Call to Action
World Food Safety Day is not merely symbolic—it is a call to action for all stakeholders.
Governments must enact and enforce science-based regulations.
Industries must prioritize safety, transparency, and training.
Academic institutions should lead research and develop safer production methods.
Media must communicate risks and best practices effectively.
Consumers
must stay informed and take individual responsibility.
As Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, once noted: 'There is no food security without food safety.'
Conclusion
In a world of over 8 billion people, food safety might seem like an invisible issue—until it fails. A single lapse can lead to widespread illness, economic damage, and even loss of life. But when it works, food safety quietly supports health, trade, development, and peace.
World Food Safety Day serves as a reminder that vigilance, preparedness, and cooperation are essential. Whether you're a policymaker in a capital city, a farmer in a rural village, or a parent preparing dinner, your actions matter. Safe food saves lives, and it starts with each of us.
Let us mark this year's World Food Safety Day by renewing our commitment to protecting the world's food supply—for today, and for generations to come.
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Views expressed above are the author's own.