Food lovers, rejoice! It's time to dig into a topic that's as important as the delicious dishes we devour: World Food Safety Day. While it may not sound like the most exciting subject when we can talk about the most delicious dishes on the planet, we promise to serve up a platter of fun and interesting facts that will leave you craving for more. After all, eating well is as important as eating healthy and clean.
So, sit down and get ready to learn some interesting facts about World Food Safety Day!
A Global Celebration
World Food Safety Day is a worldwide celebration observed on June 7th every year. Think of it as a culinary holiday where food enthusiasts and safety-conscious folks come together to spread the message of safe food practises so that the unaware population can know the basics and the aware ones get to understand the implications better.
A United Nations Initiative
The United Nations General Assembly designated June 7th as World Food Safety Day in 2018. It's a joint effort by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) to raise awareness about the importance of food safety and its impact on public health.
Foodborne Foes
Did you know that unsafe food can turn into a formidable foe? Each year, millions of people worldwide fall ill due to contaminated food. World Food Safety Day aims to combat these foodborne illnesses by promoting safe food practises and hygiene. In a century where the focus is on improving living conditions and providing every global citizen with the right to live a healthy life, food security is of utmost importance.
Video credits - World Health Organization South-East Asia Region - WHO SEARO
Theme of the Year
Just like a well-curated menu, World Food Safety Day has a theme each year to focus on specific aspects of food safety. Each theme highlights the diverse challenges and opportunities in the world of food safety. The focus of the fifth World Food Safety Day, which is being celebrated this year, is to "draw attention and inspire action to help prevent, detect, and manage foodborne risks, contributing to food security, human health, economic prosperity, agricultural production, market access, tourism, and sustainable development," as per the WHO.
Collaboration
Ensuring food safety requires a team effort. World Food Safety Day encourages governments, organisations, businesses, and individuals to join forces and cook up some tasty collaborations that are important for the sustainable development of current and future generations. Together, we can make the world a safer place to eat!
From Farm to Fork
Food safety starts on the farm and extends all the way to your plate. It's a journey that involves farmers, food processors, distributors, restaurants, and even home cooks like many of us! By following proper handling, storage, and cooking practises, you become an essential ingredient in the recipe for food safety.